Founding1787
First Federalist Paper Published
Alexander Hamilton published the first of The Federalist Papers in the New York Independent Journal under the pen name "Publius." The series of 85 essays, written by Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, argued for ratification of the new Constitution.
Why It Matters
The Federalist Papers remain the most authoritative commentary on the Constitution and are regularly cited by the Supreme Court in interpreting the document's meaning and intent.