AP Government: The student understands the American beliefs and principles reflected in the U. S.
Constitution and why these are significant. The student is expected to:
(7C) Analyze how the Federalist Papers such as Number 10, Number 39, Number 46, and Number 51 explain
the principles of the American constitutional system of government.
Background: Constitutional Convention worked from May to September, 1787, to create a document to save
the United States from the critical problems created by the Articles of Confederation and quarrelling states.
The convention delegates from New York, angered by the proceedings left early and only Alexander Hamilton
returned. The state of Rhode Island did not participate in the convention proceedings. In addition, key
Virginia’s delegates refused to participate on the final vote because there had been no Bill of Rights added.
Therefore, ratification would become a difficult undertaking. In order to convince the thirteen states to accept
the Constitution as the official document of government for the United States, James Madison, Alexander
Hamilton, and John Jay produced a collection newspaper essays. These eight-five published writings are
known as the Federalist Papers.
The principles defined in these essays
Federalist 10:
Federalist 39:
Federalist 46:
Federalist 51: