What were the Federalist Papers?

The Federalist Papers were a series of persuasive essays written to rally support for the ratification of the United States Constitution. Authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, these essays aimed to articulate the benefits of a strong central government and address the concerns of those opposed to the new Constitution. By providing a detailed explanation of the Constitution's principles and intentions, the authors sought to persuade the public and state legislatures to support ratification. This context is essential to understanding the role of the Federalist Papers in the framing of American governance and the establishment of federalism in the United States.