Who Governs the Federal Reserve? The Reserve Banks and the Politics of Central Bank Appointments
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
The presidents of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks are among the most powerful policymakers in the American political economy, but very little is known about who selects these individuals and how they are selected. This project explores the relationship between the representation of local elites on the Reserve Bank boards of directors—the bodies tasked with governing the Reserve Banks and appointing Reserve Bank presidents--and the policy preferences of the Reserve Bank presidents that are appointed. Whose interests are represented in the Reserve Bank president appointment process, and do monetary and regulatory policy outcomes reflect the preferences of these interests?
Role: Students will collect biographical information on Federal Reserve Bank directors and presidents using online sources. They will also assist with coding and analyzing this original data.
In addition to learning about the Federal Reserve System, students will gain hands-on experience in creating and managing a large dataset, and in analyzing categorical data. Students will also gain experience in conducting internet searches and using LexisNexis.
Qualifications: Students with any background can be trained. Experience with database management desirable.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Researchers can conduct most work from their personal computers.
Social Sciences