Who was the primary author of the Federalist Papers?

The primary author of the Federalist Papers was Alexander Hamilton. He played a crucial role in promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution through this series of essays, which were published in various newspapers beginning in 1787. Hamilton wrote the majority of the essays himself, with the intent of addressing the concerns of those wary of a strong central government. His arguments articulated the need for a strong federal government to maintain order and Union, and he skillfully outlined the principles of constitutional government.

While James Madison and John Jay contributed to the Federalist Papers, Hamilton’s extensive participation and authorship highlight his fundamental role in this foundational political discourse. Thomas Jefferson, although a key figure in early American politics, was not involved in the writing of the Federalist Papers. Understanding the impact of Hamilton's work helps illuminate the debates surrounding the Constitution and the formation of government in the early United States.