Though the authors of The Federalist Papers foremost wished to influence the vote in favor of ratifying the Constitution, they explicitly set that debate in broader political terms. There are many highlights among the essays of The Federalist. According to historian Richard B. Morris, they are an "incomparable exposition of the Constitution, a classic in political science unsurpassed in both breadth and depth by the product of any later American writer."

The Federalist (later known as The Federalist Papers) is a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution.

Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757–July 12, 1804) was a founding father of the United States, chief staff aide to General George Washington, one of the most influential interpreters and promoters of the U.S. Constitution, the founder of the nation's financial system, and the founder of the Federalist Party, the world's first voter-based political party. John Jay (December 12, 1745 – May 17, 1829) was an American statesman, patriot, diplomat, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, signatory of the Treaty of Paris, and first Chief Justice of the United States (1789–95).James Madison Jr. (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836) was a political theorist, American statesman, and the fourth President of the United States (1809–17). He is hailed as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.