The Federalist Papers are a series of 85 articles, written between 1897 and 1888, 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.