_Liberal vs. Strict Construction._--The question of the interpretation of the scope and meaning of this grant of powers arose very early in the history of the national government, in connection with the proposition of Hamilton to establish a United States bank. Hamilton contended that the authority to establish such an institution was clearly implied in the power to borrow money and pay the debts of the United States. A federal bank, he urged, was a proper if not a necessary means for carrying into effect these important powers of Congress, just as the establishment of a mint was necessary to carry out the power relating to the coinage of money. Jefferson and his school of political thinkers, however, held to a strict interpretation of the Constitution and maintained that Congress had no right to exercise any power which was not expressly conferred. The view of the "loose" or "liberal" constructionists, however, prevailed, and from the beginning Congress has relied upon the doctrine of implied powers for its authority to legislate on many important questions. _Examples of Implied Powers._--It was upon this authority that foreign territory has been purchased and governed; that a protective tariff has been levied; that a national bank was established; that legal tender paper money has been issued; that the construction of the Panama Canal has been undertaken; that ship subsidies have been granted; that postal savings banks have been established; that education has been fostered; and many other activities undertaken. The policy of liberal interpretation was first adopted by Chief Justice Marshall of the Supreme Court and his associates, and with rare exceptions has been followed by the court throughout its entire history. The effect has been to strengthen the national government and render it capable of fulfilling the great purposes for which it was created. The whole course of our political and constitutional history is different from what it would have been had the view of the strict constructionists prevailed. =References.=--ANDREWS, Manual of the Constitution, pp. 120-148. BEARD, American Government and Politics, ch. xix. COOLEY, Principles of Constitutional Law, pp. 94-111. FAIRLIE, National Administration, chs. ix, x, xii. HART, Actual Government, ch. xxiv. =Documentary and Illustrative Material.=--Copies of the annual reports of the Postmaster-General, the Librarian of Congress, the Commissioner of Patents, the Secretary of War, and the Secretary of the Navy, all of which may be obtained gratis from the officials mentioned. RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1. Why should the postal service be conducted by the government? Should the transportation of the mail be a government monopoly? 2. Should the rates of postage on second-class matter, in your opinion, be increased? Why? 3. What are the advantages of a postal savings bank system?