#1
Which of the following is considered a primary function of commercial banks?
Providing loans and accepting deposits
ExplanationCommercial banks primarily function by providing loans to individuals and businesses, and accepting deposits for safekeeping.
#2
Which of the following is NOT a function of money?
Unit of production
ExplanationMoney serves as a medium of exchange, store of value, and unit of account, but it is not a unit of production.
#3
Which of the following is NOT a function of a central bank?
Setting fiscal policies
ExplanationCentral banks do not set fiscal policies; their main functions include monetary policy, currency issuance, and financial stability.
#4
What is the primary function of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)?
To insure deposits in member banks
ExplanationThe FDIC ensures the safety of deposits in member banks by providing deposit insurance, fostering confidence in the banking system.
#5
What is the term for the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and, subsequently, the purchasing power of currency is falling?
Inflation
ExplanationInflation is the rate at which the overall price level of goods and services rises, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of currency.
#6
What is the function of a central bank?
To regulate interest rates
ExplanationCentral banks regulate interest rates to control monetary policy and stabilize the economy.
#7
What is the role of fractional reserve banking?
To allow banks to lend out most of the deposits they receive
ExplanationFractional reserve banking enables banks to lend a significant portion of the deposits they hold, contributing to the money creation process.
#8
What is the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
To provide financial assistance to countries facing economic crises
ExplanationThe IMF offers financial aid to countries in economic distress, helping them stabilize their economies and address crises.
#9
What is the term used to describe the increase in the overall price level of goods and services over time?
Inflation
ExplanationInflation is the phenomenon of rising prices across the economy, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of currency.
#10
In a fractional reserve banking system, what is the reserve requirement?
The percentage of deposits banks must hold in reserve
ExplanationThe reserve requirement is the portion of deposits that banks are mandated to keep in reserve, ensuring financial stability.
#11
What is the significance of the Federal Reserve System in the United States?
It regulates the money supply and interest rates
ExplanationThe Federal Reserve System plays a crucial role in regulating the money supply and interest rates to maintain economic stability.
#12
What is the difference between monetary policy and fiscal policy?
Monetary policy involves managing the money supply, while fiscal policy involves government spending and taxation
ExplanationMonetary policy focuses on controlling the money supply, while fiscal policy involves government decisions on spending and taxation to influence the economy.
#13
What is the primary tool used by central banks to control the money supply?
Open market operations
ExplanationCentral banks employ open market operations to influence the money supply by buying or selling securities in the open market.
#14
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'moral hazard' in banking?
Risk-taking behavior by banks due to the presence of deposit insurance
ExplanationMoral hazard in banking refers to the increased risk-taking by banks when they are protected by deposit insurance, as they may be less cautious with depositors' funds.