This paper considers a central puzzle of central bank independence: why politicians would agree to establish such a bank, when the consequence is giving up a substantial degree of control over the money supply and price levels. I suggest that politicians agree to establish independent central...

As Jeff Madrick makes clear, the single-minded pursuit of huge personal wealth has been on the rise in the United States since the 1970s, led by a few individuals who argue that self-interest guides society more effectively than community concerns. In telling the stories of these politicians,...