The Federalist Papers – Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay

"If men were angels, no government would be necessary."

Written to persuade New York voters to ratify the new US Constitution, these 85 essays explain the philosophy and mechanics of the proposed government. They discuss the need for a strong union, the system of checks and balances, and the danger of factions, arguing that a large republic is the best safeguard for liberty.

The Federalist Papers are the definitive commentary on the American Constitution. They are a masterclass in political science, offering a pragmatic and enduring analysis of human nature and the art of government.