The Federalist Papers are an excellent reference for anyone who wants to understand the U.S. Constitution. They were written and published during the years 1787 and 1788 in several New York State newspapers to persuade New York voters to ratify the proposed constitution. The Federalist Papers consist of 85 essays outlining how the new government would operate and why this type of government was the best choice for the United States of America. All of the essays were signed "PUBLIUS" and the actual authors of some are under dispute, but the general consensus is that Alexander Hamilton wrote 52, James Madison wrote 28, and John Jay contributed the remaining five. (http://libertypundits.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/3-federalist-papers.jpg)