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Q46·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2018

Definition and concept of legal tender

EconomyMonetary economics and currencyFactual singleEasyStatic

Question

Which one of the following statements correctly describes the meaning of legal tender money?

Options

a

The money which is tendered in courts of law to defray the fee of legal cases

b

The money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims

Answer
c

The bank money in the form of cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, etc.

d

The metallic money in circulation in a country

Explanation

Legal tender money is defined as money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims. It is money that by law must be accepted as a medium of payment for debts and obligations. Legal tender has the force of law behind it - creditors cannot refuse it in payment. Option (a) is incorrect as it refers to court fees, not the definition. Option (c) is incorrect as bank money (cheques, drafts) is not legal tender in the strict sense - it is a substitute for money. Option (d) is incorrect as legal tender includes both metallic and paper currency, and all forms of legal money are legal tender. The key characteristic is the compulsory acceptance by creditors. > Definition: Legal tender = Money creditors MUST accept by law for debt settlement. Answer: (b).

Question details

Year

2018

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q46

Subject

Economy

Sub-topic

Monetary economics and currency

Type

Factual single

Difficulty

Easy

Nature

Static

Source hint

Economics - Money and Banking

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