The Federalist Papers brings together eighty-five influential essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym Publius. Originally published in 1787 and 1788, the essays argued for ratification of the United States Constitution and examined the structure of the proposed federal government. Across discussions of representation, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, taxation, the judiciary, and executive authority, the authors explain how the new constitutional system was intended to function. This collection remains an essential primary source for readers closely studying American political thought, constitutional history, government, and the debates surrounding the nation’s founding framework.