The Federalist Papers

What It's About

The Federalist Papers is a collection of 85 essays written between 1787 and 1788 to urge New York's citizens to ratify the newly drafted United States Constitution. Published in New York newspapers under the shared pseudonym "Publius," the essays laid out the reasoning behind the proposed government's structure, addressing fears that a strong federal system would recreate the tyranny the colonies had just thrown off. They remain one of the most authoritative contemporary explanations of the Constitution's intent, and are still cited by courts and scholars today.

Key Concepts

The essays explore federalism, the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from dominating. Federalist No. 10 addresses the danger of factions and argues that a large republic is better equipped to control their effects than a small one. Federalist No. 51 sets out the rationale for dividing power between branches and levels of government. Federalist No. 78 makes the case for an independent judiciary with the power of judicial review.

About the Author

The essays were written jointly by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, three of the leading statesmen of the early American republic. Hamilton, who initiated the project, later served as the first US Secretary of the Treasury. Madison, who contributed a large share of the essays, went on to become the fourth President of the United States and is often called the "Father of the Constitution." Jay, who wrote only five essays after falling ill, later became the first Chief Justice of the United States.