1. What are commercial banks and why do they dominate the banking sector?

2. What services do commercial banks offer that distinguish them from other depository institutions?

1. What was the original purpose of thrift institutions and what restrictions do they face today?

2. What are the two major types of thrift institutions and how did deregulation affect savings and loan associations?

1. What are credit unions and what advantages do they have as nonprofit organizations?

1. What are the main types of depository accounts and how do checking accounts differ from savings accounts?

2. What methods do customers use to access funds from their accounts and make electronic payments?

3. How do money market accounts and certificates of deposit differ from basic savings accounts?

1. How do banks make most of their money and what is the difference between secured and unsecured loans?

2. What additional financial services do banks offer beyond accepting deposits and making loans?

1. What are the main categories of assets on a bank's balance sheet and how does each contribute to the bank's operations?

1. What are the main liabilities on a bank's balance sheet and how is net worth calculated?

1. What is the reserve requirement and how does it affect a bank's ability to make loans?

2. What are the current reserve requirements for different sizes of banks and what is excess reserves?

1. How does the fractional reserve banking system allow banks to expand the money supply?

2. What is the money multiplier and how is it calculated from the reserve ratio?

3. Why is the actual amount of money created often less than the money multiplier predicts?