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Functions and Operations of Central Banks Quiz

#1

Which of the following is a primary function of a central bank?

Issuing currency
Explanation

Central banks create and regulate the supply of currency within an economy.

#2

What is the primary objective of central banks in controlling inflation?

To keep prices stable
Explanation

Central banks aim to maintain stable prices by managing inflation rates within target ranges.

#3

Which entity typically has the authority to issue legal tender currency?

Treasury department of the government
Explanation

Governments typically delegate currency issuance authority to their treasury departments.

#4

What is the main purpose of the central bank's monetary policy?

To regulate the money supply and interest rates
Explanation

Monetary policy aims to manage the money supply and interest rates to achieve economic objectives.

#5

Which of the following is an example of a central bank's regulatory role?

Setting reserve requirements for banks
Explanation

Central banks impose reserve requirements to regulate banks' liquidity and lending capacity.

#6

What is the primary goal of a central bank's monetary policy?

Minimizing inflation
Explanation

Monetary policy seeks to control inflation by adjusting interest rates and money supply.

#7

What does 'lender of last resort' mean in the context of central banking?

A bank that lends to other banks in times of crisis
Explanation

It's a central bank's role to provide emergency liquidity assistance to financial institutions during crises.

#8

Which of the following is a tool used by central banks to control the money supply?

Open market operations
Explanation

Central banks buy or sell government securities to influence the money supply and interest rates.

#9

What does the term 'open market operations' refer to in the context of central banking?

The buying and selling of government securities by the central bank
Explanation

Central banks trade government securities to control the money supply and interest rates.

#10

In the context of central banking, what does 'reserve requirement' mean?

The percentage of deposits banks must hold in reserve
Explanation

Reserve requirement dictates the portion of deposits banks must keep as reserves, affecting their lending capacity.

#11

What is the significance of the central bank's role as 'banker to the government'?

It manages government accounts and debt issuance
Explanation

Central banks handle government transactions, manage public debt, and facilitate government borrowing.

#12

What is the function of the central bank's foreign exchange reserves?

To stabilize the exchange rate
Explanation

Foreign exchange reserves help central banks intervene in currency markets to stabilize exchange rates.

#13

What is the function of the discount rate set by a central bank?

To influence borrowing and lending by commercial banks
Explanation

The discount rate determines the cost of borrowing reserves from the central bank and affects overall interest rates.

#14

What is the main goal of quantitative easing, a policy sometimes implemented by central banks?

To expand the money supply
Explanation

Quantitative easing aims to increase the money supply to stimulate lending and economic activity.

#15

Which of the following is NOT a typical tool used by central banks to conduct monetary policy?

Taxation
Explanation

While governments use taxation for fiscal policy, it's not a tool directly controlled by central banks.

#16

What is the significance of the central bank's independence from the government?

It prevents political interference in monetary policy decisions
Explanation

Independence shields central banks from political pressures, ensuring sound monetary policy decisions.

#17

Which of the following is a tool used by central banks to manage exchange rates?

Foreign exchange market interventions
Explanation

Central banks intervene in currency markets to influence exchange rates and manage currency stability.

#18

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'seigniorage'?

The profit made by central banks from issuing currency
Explanation

Seigniorage represents the difference between the face value of money and its production costs, accruing to central banks.

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