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We count on the Post Office every day but do you know its history?
Questions and Answers
1.
When was the Post office created in the US?
A.
1812
B.
1775
C.
1863
D.
1787
Correct Answer
B. 1775
Explanation The Continental Congress established the first Postmaster General in 1775. It was Benjamin Franklin who helped establish the Postal Service
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2.
What color(s) were the first postal drop boxes?
A.
Aluminum
B.
Red and green
C.
Black
D.
Brown
E.
Blue and white
Correct Answer
B. Red and green
Explanation According to documents, the first boxes were red and green. The red boxes were higher priority than then green and so picked up more often.
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3.
In 2008, how many pieces of mail were handled through the Post Office
A.
300 billion
B.
202 billion
C.
275 billion
D.
Over 500 billion
Correct Answer
B. 202 billion
Explanation the offical number is 202,702,900,000
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4.
When was the first stamps issued in the US
A.
1812
B.
1847
C.
1859
D.
1901
E.
1790
Correct Answer
B. 1847
Explanation In 1847, the first stamps were issued in the US. This marked the beginning of the postal system in the country, allowing for the prepayment of postage on mail. Prior to this, individuals had to pay for postage upon receiving their mail. The introduction of stamps made the process more efficient and standardized, as it eliminated the need for individual payment at the time of delivery. Therefore, 1847 is the correct answer as it represents the year when the US first issued stamps.
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5.
When were zip codes introduced?
A.
1952
B.
1963
C.
1971
D.
1979
Correct Answer
B. 1963
Explanation Zip codes were introduced in 1963. This system of postal codes was implemented in the United States to facilitate the sorting and delivery of mail. The introduction of zip codes helped to improve the efficiency of mail processing and delivery by dividing the country into specific geographic areas. Each zip code represents a unique area, allowing postal workers to easily identify the destination of mail and packages. The use of zip codes has since become an integral part of the postal system in the United States.
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6.
When was the United States Postal Service established as an independent entity of the government?
A.
1960
B.
1971
C.
1982
D.
1968
Correct Answer
B. 1971
Explanation Until 1971 the Post office ws a branch of the government. In that year a seperate but still subsidized department was created.
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7.
When did the government stop giving the Post Office money?
A.
1991
B.
1999
C.
1982
D.
1976
Correct Answer
C. 1982
Explanation The government stopped giving the Post Office money in 1982.
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8.
Who has been the most used figure on the postage stamp?
A.
Benjamin Franklin
B.
Bill Clinton
C.
John Kennedy
D.
George Washington
E.
Martin Luther King
Correct Answer
D. George Washington
Explanation George Washington has been the most used figure on the postage stamp because he was the first president of the United States and is often referred to as the "Father of His Country." His leadership and role in the American Revolution made him a highly respected and iconic figure in American history. Washington's image on postage stamps symbolizes his significant contributions to the founding of the nation and his enduring legacy as a founding father.
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9.
When were self adesive stamps introduced nationwide?
A.
1976
B.
1992
C.
2000
D.
1984
Correct Answer
B. 1992
Explanation Self-adhesive stamps were introduced nationwide in 1992. This means that before this year, stamps were not self-adhesive and required licking or wetting to stick them onto envelopes or packages. The introduction of self-adhesive stamps made it more convenient for people to use stamps, as they no longer had to go through the hassle of wetting them.
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10.
In the early 1900's the offical color of post office drop boxes was olive green. Why?
A.
It was created so that the post office logo would stand out more
B.
A shortage of pigments made this color the cheapest
C.
The military used that color so the paint was readily available
D.
The color was creaed in 1928 during the depression by combining available paints and it stuck.
Correct Answer
C. The military used that color so the paint was readily available
Explanation During the early 1900s, the official color of post office drop boxes was olive green because the military used that color, making the paint readily available. This suggests that the post office decided to use the same color to ensure easy access to the paint and maintain consistency.
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11.
What percentage of the currnet postal carriers is women?
Correct Answer 40, 40%
Explanation According to the web site 40% of all carriers in 2007 were women
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12.
What were the amounts of the first stamps?
A.
1,2,5,10
B.
1.2.5
C.
1.2.10
D.
5,10
Correct Answer
D. 5,10
Explanation The amounts of the first stamps were 5 and 10.
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13.
True or false. the Pony Express was part of the postal Service
Correct Answer True, true
Explanation The Pony Express was indeed part of the postal service. It was a fast mail service that operated in the United States from 1860 to 1861. It was established to deliver mail and messages quickly between the eastern and western parts of the country. Riders on horseback would carry the mail in relays, covering long distances in a short amount of time. While the Pony Express was short-lived, it played a significant role in improving communication and connecting the different regions of the United States.
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14.
True or false. In the beginning, private companies were involved in delivering the mail for the government
Correct Answer True, true
Explanation Private companies were indeed involved in delivering the mail for the government in the beginning. This was especially true during the early years of mail delivery when the postal system was still being established. Private companies were contracted by the government to handle the transportation and delivery of mail, as the government did not have the necessary infrastructure or resources to do so on its own. Over time, the government gradually took over the responsibility of mail delivery, leading to the establishment of national postal services.
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