Economics 12 Extra Credit

Due in class no later than Friday, 6/3.  Hand deliver.  No e-mailed assignments accepted.




The Federal Reserve is at the center of our economy through its power to alter monetary policy.  When the Fed. was created in 1913, its purpose was to prevent the type of instability that plagued the US economy during the 19th century.  Today, the Fed. has many supporters and detractors.  Those who oppose the Fed. typically point out that a central bank is not mandated in the Constitution.  Others, however, take a more sinister view.  For extra credit you should:


1.  Watch the video by following the link:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dmPchuXIXQ




2.  Identify 3 "conspiracy theories" asserted by the filmmakers about the Fed.  Fully explain each with details from the film.  Write about 1 paragraph per example.


3.  Research one of the conspiracy theories in greater detail.  To what extent does the assertion seem true or have merit?  To what extent does it seem fabricated?  If you believe it is true, why do you think the Fed. behaves this way?  If you think it is fabricated, what motives do you think the filmmakers have to misrepresent the Fed. in this way?
Provide a list of your research sources to accompany #3.