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The Federalist Papers
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay (1788)
A collection of 85 essays advocating for ratification of the U.S. Constitution, serving as the definitive interpretation of the Founders' intent.
Significance
The most authoritative source for understanding the original intent behind the U.S. Constitution. Regularly cited by the Supreme Court in constitutional interpretation.
Selected Excerpt
Federalist No. 78 (Hamilton): The judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution. The Executive holds the sword, the Legislature holds the purse. The judiciary has neither force nor will, but merely judgment. Federalist No. 10 (Madison): Among the numerous advantages promised by a well-constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction. Federalist No. 51 (Madison): If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.
civil-rightselection
This text is in the public domain. Original publication: 1788.