About The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the

By Alexander Hamilton

Published in 1788

The collection, written anonymously under the pseudonym “Publius” by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, was first published in book form in 1788. The essays first appeared consecutively in the “Independent Journal” and the “New York Packet” between October 1787 and August 1788. The remaining eight were published when the essays were compiled into book form. The essays were written to promote and garner support for the ratification of the United States Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation. The articles placed restrictions on the central government, rendering it ineffective and leaving many states and their citizens unsatisfied. With the help of “The Federalist” and its commentary, the Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788.