One example of this is the US collecting taxes in US dollars. Why not let me pay my taxes in Euros or gold (or bitcoin :D)? And there's the threat of violence b

One example of this is the US collecting taxes in US dollars. Why not let me pay my taxes in Euros or gold (or bitcoin :D)? And there's the threat of violence backing this. If I refuse to pay my taxes in US dollars, I'll get some angry letters, I'll have my property seized, and then I'll get some police officers showing up at my door - and if I continue to resist, I'll either be arrested or killed. For refusing to pay my taxes in US dollars. Likewise, US dollars are "legal tender for all debts public and private". If someone (in the US) refuses to accept US dollars to consolidate a US debt, they will be arrested or killed (after several opportunities to course correct) and their property will be forcefully taken. And for a third example - consider someone trying to set up an unregistered company in the USA. If they get on the government's radar, what do you think their long term prospects are? Fortunately, our legal system and general social beliefs mean that it rarely if ever would come that far. But the threat of violence is real. And think - without that threat, however far removed, why would anyone pay their taxes or follow most laws?