Explore the fundamentals of money, banking, and public finance in this comprehensive lecture from Duke University's Introduction to Political Economy course. Delve into the functions and forms of money, from metals to digital currencies, and understand the distinctions between market-based and fiat-based systems. Examine the role of banking in financial intermediation, comparing free banking to central banking models. Investigate public finance, including government funding methods, fiscal policies, and their economic impacts. Learn about key concepts such as financial intermediation, fiscal rectitude, and unfunded entitlements. Gain insights from recommended readings on free banking systems, the dollar's global importance, and the history of money. Enhance your understanding of political economy and its intersection with crucial financial systems and policies.