The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers are eighty-five essays published in New York newspapers in 1787 and 1788 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay under the name Publius. They argued that New York should ratify the Constitution. They are not law, but they are among the best-known explanations of what its supporters thought the Constitution would do.
This section presents five essays that cover faction, checks and balances, the presidency, the judiciary and the bill-of-rights debate. Each links to the Anti-Federalist essay that answers it.
Essays
- Federalist No. 10The Union as a Safeguard Against Faction
Why a large republic is better at controlling faction.
The other side: Anti-Federalist No. 14
- Federalist No. 51Checks and Balances Between the Departments of Government
How separated powers and the compound republic protect liberty.
The other side: Anti-Federalist No. 14
- Federalist No. 70The Executive Department
The case for a single, energetic executive.
The other side: Anti-Federalist No. 67
- Federalist No. 78The Judiciary Department
The judiciary as the least dangerous branch, and the argument for judicial review.
The other side: Anti-Federalist No. 78-79
- Federalist No. 84Objections to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Why Hamilton thought a bill of rights was unnecessary.
The other side: Anti-Federalist No. 84