A series of 85 essays written in 1787-88 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to persuade the public to support and ratify the new U.S. Constitution. Jefferson called The Federalist "The best commentary on the principles of government which ever was written."

The Federalist No. 10 (Madison) The dangers of factions to the political system

The Federalist No. 39 (Madison) Conformity of this plan to republican principles

The Federalist No. 45 (Madison) Powers of federal and state governments

The Federalist No. 47 (Madison) Government's structure and the distribution of power among its parts

The Federalist No. 51 (Madison) Checks and balances among powers in the system

The Federalist No. 84 (Hamilton) Objections to the Constitution answered