The Federalist Papers
/ðə ˈfedərəlɪst peɪpəz/
/ðə ˈfedərəlɪst peɪpərz/
- a collection of American essays published as a series in newspapers in 1787-8. Their aim was to persuade citizens in New York State to support the proposal for the American Constitution. The papers give a complete explanation of the US system of government. They were signed 'Publius' and written mostly by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay.