In today’s “fractional reserve†banking system in the United States, the reserve requirements impos… Show more In today’s “fractional reserve†banking system in the United States, the reserve requirements imposed on commercial banks are: symbolic, because actual reserves greatly exceed the requirements. averages of the amounts need to meet the public’s demand for money. intended to set a limit on the total money supply rather than to serve as a protection against bank runs. in excess of what is normally needed, in case people become uneasy about the safety of their bank deposits. • Show less