The American Federal Reserve system: functioning and accountability

The approach to this report was journalistic, starting with the basic outline, which is built around ten very frequently asked questions : 

1. What is the legal-constitutional basis for the Federal Reserve System's power ?
2. How is the Fed structured today ?
3. Why did it take 122 years to get there ?
4. To whom is the Fed accountable?
5. Why have the Fed's strongest critics been unable to significantly change the way it operates ?
6. What accounts for the memorable impact of William McChesney Martin, Jr. ?
7. What motivated and helped Paul Volcker to successfully combat double-digit inflation, while presiding over a recession ?
8. Why and how has Alan Greenspan remained so popular ?
9. Where do the media fit into the Fed's approach to accountability?
10. Can the Fed provide any lessons for other democracies ?