A Postmaster General is the national politician in charge of the postal system of a country. In most nations he or she is an appointed official of cabinet rank. The Politics series Politics Portal This box: A politician is an individual who is a formally recognized and active member of a government, or a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics. ... A British pillar box The postal system is a system by which written documents typically enclosed in envelopes, and also small packages containing other matter, are delivered to destinations around the world. ... A cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of government, typically representing the executive branch. ...
There was also a Grand Master of the Pontifical Posts, or Postmaster General In the United Kingdom, the Postmaster General is a now defunct ministerial position. ... The United States Postmaster General is the executive head of the United States Postal Service. ... The Postmaster General of Canada was the Canadian cabinet minister responsible for Canada Post. ... PMG manhole in a city street, Perth, Western Australia. ...
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The PostmasterGeneral is the executive head of the United States Postal Service.
From 1872 to 1971, the postmastergeneral was the head of an executive department concerned with the postal service (the Post Office Department).
The Cabinet office of PostmasterGeneral was often given to a new President's campaign manager or other key political supporter, and was considered something of a sinecure.
Postal service in the United States was greatly influenced by Benjamin Franklin who was appointed Postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737, Joint PostmasterGeneral of the colonies for the Crown in 1753, and Postmaster for the United Colonies in 1775.
As Postmaster of Philadelphia, Franklin was able to increase the circulation of his Pennsylvania Gazette, as the position allowed him to easily deliver his newspaper via the city's postal service.
Franklin served as Joint PostmasterGeneral for the Crown until he was dismissed in 1774 due to his vocal support of independence for the colonies.