The Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers were written during 1787-1788 and published in several New York State newspapers to persuade New York voters to ratify the proposed Constitution.

In an effort to persuade Americans to adopt the new system of government, essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay were collected into a body known as the Federalist Papers.

In total, the Federalist Papers consist of 85 essays outlining how this new government would operate and why this type of government was the best choice for the United States of America. All of the essays were signed "PUBLIUS" and the actual authors of some are under dispute, but the general consensus is that Alexander Hamilton wrote 52, James Madison wrote 28, and John Jay contributed the remaining 5.

The Anti-Federalist Papers

In contrast to Hamilton, Madison and Jay who supported ratification of the Constitution of the United States, many others did not. While the former's works were more logically organized (and eventually won the debate), the Antifederalist writers were nonetheless articulate. Serious questions were raised which eventually led to some of the Federalist writings that served as answers to allegations of the Antifederalists.