English

Concept of Money

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Estimated time: 16 minutes
  • Introduction
  • Definitions: Money
  • Legal Definition of Money
  • Types of Money Under the Legal Definition
  • Functional Definition of Money
  • Features: Flowchart
  • Real-Life Application
  • Key Points: Concept of Money
Maharashtra State Board: Class 11
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

Money is anything that people commonly accept to buy goods and services. Think of it as a tool that makes buying and selling easier than exchanging one good for another.

CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 11
CISCE: Class 12

Definitions: Money

  • Prof. Crowther: "Money is anything that is generally acceptable as a means of exchange and at the same time acts as a measure and store of value."
  • Prof. Walker: "Money is what money does" (Shows money is defined by its functions).
  • Robertson: "Anything widely accepted in payment for goods" (Focuses on exchange function).
  • “Anything which is commonly used and generally accepted as a medium of exchange or as a standard of value.” — Dr. Kent
CISCE: Class 12

Legal Definition of Money

"Money is anything which has the legal power to act as a medium of exchange and to discharge debt."
Under this definition, only items backed by government authority — currency notes and coins — qualify as money. In the words of Robertson: "Money is anything which is widely accepted in payment for goods or in discharge of other kinds of business obligations."

CISCE: Class 12

Types of Money Under the Legal Definition

Type Meaning Example in India
Limited Legal Tender Accepted only up to a certain limit Coins — payments accepted up to ₹1,000 only
Unlimited Legal Tender Accepted in any amount, cannot be refused Paper currency notes — ₹10, ₹50, ₹100, ₹500
Fiduciary (Non-Legal Tender) Accepted on trust, not legally compulsory Cheques, demand drafts, bills of exchange
CISCE: Class 12

Functional Definition of Money

Gowther defines money as, "Money is anything that is generally acceptable as a means of exchange and at the same time, acts as a measure and as a store of value".

Maharashtra State Board: Class 11
CISCE: Class 12

Features: Flowchart

Maharashtra State Board: Class 11
CISCE: Class 12

Real-Life Application

Priya's mother compares prices before buying groceries.

  • Amul Milk: ₹25 at local store vs ₹23 on BigBasket
  • Britannia Biscuits: ₹30 for 200g vs ₹45 for 300g
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 11
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Concept of Money

  • Money eliminates barter system problems by providing a common medium of exchange.
  • Three main functions: medium of exchange, measure of value, store of value.
  • Must be generally acceptable to function as money.
  • Modern economy completely depends on money for smooth transactions.
  • Digital payments are the newest evolution in money's history. 
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