Federalist Papers

No. 2

Author: John Jay 

Main Argument:

1. Advocated for a strong, unified federal government, emphasizing shared ancestry, culture, and Revolutionary experience; argued that citizens must give up some rights for effective governance and warned that failing to ratify the Constitution would weaken the nation.

No. 10

Author: James Madison

Main Argument:

1. Argued that a large, united republic with checks and balances controls harmful factions, protects individual rights and the public good, ensures a strong federal government while reserving powers for states and the people to prevent federal overreach.

No. 54

Author: Hamilton or Madison

Main Argument: 

1. Determined that representation and taxation would be based on state population, balancing power between Northern and Southern states by counting each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person.

No. 68 

Author: Alexander Hamilton

Main Argument: Electoral college votes on president, rather than popular vote

No. 78

Author: Alexander Hamilton

Main Argument: the judiciary must be independent and have the power to declare laws unconstitutional in order to protect the Constitution and individual rights.