The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers first appeared in 1787 as a series of letters to New York newspapers exhorting voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States and the fate of the nation quite literally hung in the balance.
Writing in concert as “Publius,” Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison urged voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. A masterpiece of political theory, The Federalist Papers remains important and vital reading for anyone seeking to understand the tensions at the heart of the United States.
Alexander Hamilton (1755–1804) was George Washington's Chief of Staff and the first United States Secretary of the Treasury.
James Madison (1751–1836) was the fourth President of the United States. He is known as the Father of the U.S. Constitution and authored the Bill of Rights.
John Jay (1745–1829) was the first Chief Justice of the United States and the second governor of New York.