Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• When and why was the post office set up? How does it work? (Central Ideas)
The post office was created in 1775 to ensure reliable mail delivery for the 13 Colonies. It delivers billions of pieces of mail to nearly 165 million addresses every year. While it brings in money from postage and other services like post office box rentals, it’s projected to have a deficit of $4.5 billion this year. As a federal institution, it must follow requirements such as delivering mail nationwide six days per week.
• How does Mark Dimondstein support his argument that “the post office is a valuable public service”? (Analyzing Arguments)
Dimondstein supports his argument by pointing out that the post office is important for democracy because many people vote by mail. He also says that it’s needed because it serves every address with uniform prices, and private companies might charge more to deliver to rural or low-income areas.
• What changes does Parker Sheppard cite to support his argument that private companies should deliver mail? (Identifying Evidence)
One change he cites is how news is delivered. When the post office was created, most political discussion happened via newspapers, but now people have radio, TV, and the internet. Another change is that mail is no longer needed to communicate with people in other states. A third change is that post office costs have increased.