What is the primary function of the Federal Reserve System?

The primary function of the Federal Reserve System is to conduct monetary policy. This involves managing the nation's money supply and interest rates to achieve macroeconomic objectives such as stable prices, full employment, and economic growth. By influencing the availability and cost of credit in the economy, the Federal Reserve can help to stabilize the financial system and support a healthy economy.

Monetary policy is implemented through various tools, including open market operations, the discount rate, and reserve requirements. Each of these tools allows the Federal Reserve to control inflation and stabilize the currency, which is essential for economic stability.

While regulating local banks and ensuring the safety and soundness of the banking system is part of the Federal Reserve's responsibilities, it is not the primary function. Additionally, issuing federal tax regulations and managing federal budgets are functions associated with the Department of the Treasury and Congress, rather than the Federal Reserve. Therefore, the option that correctly identifies the core purpose of the Federal Reserve is conducting monetary policy.