The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States, established in 1913 under the Federal Reserve Act and signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. It operates under a dual mandate from Congress to promote maximum employment and to stabilize prices, guiding its policy decisions and economic assessments. The system comprises 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks situated in major cities and the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C., forming the core institutions that shape monetary policy, oversee banks, and provide financial services. These duties include regulating and supervising banks, implementing monetary policy, and offering financial services to banks, the government, and the public. The structure supports both national oversight and regional perspectives, balancing broad economic aims with local financial conditions. In practice, the Fed’s work centers on fostering a stable monetary environment that supports employment opportunities while aiming to keep inflation in check, contributing to overall economic resilience and financial stability.