The United States has had its own financial structure, which is in many ways different from the banking structures of other countries and the European monetary system. Throughout history, the Federal Reserve has impacted economic and political decisions and it would be interesting to research the influences it has on the global economy.
The gold standard had been used to back up currencies and give them value and security. However, President Nixon's decision to abolish the gold standard left the American currency in limbo. How does this fact affect global consumer confidence and is the weakening of the U.S. dollar a cause of concern for the United States and the world?
The Great Depression had an unprecedented historical impact on life and society. What factors led to it and what were its effects on economy and politics? Has it helped predict future economic disasters? In what ways was the global economic crisis that began in 2008 similar to, and different from, the Great Depression?
Various capitalist countries have decided to adopt a laissez-faire attitude regarding the economy; the government does not interfere and lets economic matters take their own natural course. However, some critics claim that this lack of involvement, and such free and unregulated markets, may have disastrous effects on the economy and a negative impact on nations and societies.