The Federalist Papers are a series of 85 articles, written between 1787
and 1788, advocating for the ratification of the United States
Constitution. They serve as a primary source for interpretation of the
Constitution, as they outline the philosophy and motivation of the
proposed system of government. The articles were written by Alexander
Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, under the pseudonym "Publius."
James Madison is generally credited as the father of the Constitution
and became the fourth president of the United States. Alexander Hamilton
was an active delegate at the Constitutional Convention, and became the
first Secretary of the Treasury. John Jay became the first Chief Justice
of the United States. The following representative essays are included
in this collection as well as the United States Constitution and the
Amendments: "Introduction," by Alexander Hamilton; "Concerning Dangers
from Foreign Force and Influence," by John Jay (in four parts);
"Concerning Dangers from Dissensions Between the States," by Alexander
Hamilton; "The Consequences of Hostilities Between the States," by
Alexander Hamilton; "The Utility of the Union as a Safeguard Against
Domestic Faction and Insurrection," by Alexander Hamilton and James
Madison; and more.
