Postal Clause
Text
The Congress shall have Power...To establish Post Offices and post Roads
History
The Postal Clause was added to the Constitution to facilitate interstate communication as well as to create a source of revenue for the early United States.[2][3] There were some early disagreements as to the boundaries of the Postal Power. John Jay, in a letter to George Washington, opined that the postal service should not be burdened with the responsibility for handling newspaper delivery, and also suggested that the Post Office be placed under the supervision of the executive branch (a suggestion which later led to the creation of the Post Office Department).[4] Thomas Jefferson feared that the postal service would become a source of patronage and a waste of money. Jefferson also expressed doubt at granting Congress the power to designate post roads, as he considered road building to be a state responsibility.[5]
Interpretation
The Clause has been construed to give Congress the
The Postal Power also includes the power to designate certain materials as non-mailable, and to pass
See also
References
- ^ "The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription". Archives.gov. National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- ^ "Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7: Records of the Federal Convention". press-pubs.uchicago.edu.
- ^ "Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7: St. George Tucker, Blackstone's Commentaries 1:App. 264--65". press-pubs.uchicago.edu.
- ^ "Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7: John Jay to George Washington". press-pubs.uchicago.edu.
- ^ "Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7: Thomas Jefferson to James Madison". press-pubs.uchicago.edu.
- ^ "Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7: House of Representatives, Post Office Bill". press-pubs.uchicago.edu.
- ^ a b c Analysis and Interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, from the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress (hosted by Justia.com)
- ^ ISBN 0-19-511883-9.