formally The Federalist
Eighty-five essays on the proposed Constitution of the United States and the nature of republican government, published in 178788 by Alexander Hamilton , James Madison , and John Jay in an effort to persuade voters of New York state to support ratification.
Most of the essays first appeared serially in New York newspapers; they were reprinted in other states and then published as a book in 1788. A few of the essays were issued separately later. All were signed "Publius." They presented a masterly exposition of the federal system and the means of attaining the ideals of justice, general welfare, and the rights of individuals.