The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 essays
by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay,
under the pen-name "Publius," that appeared in New York
newspapers . The essays supported a strong national
government urged New York delegates to ratify (approve)
the Constitution.
Others such as George Mason and Patrick Henry fought
against ratification. They believed power should primarily
be held by the states.
They also demanded a BILL of RIGHTS to protect basic
freedoms that governments often take away from people.