The Federalist, commonly known as The Federalist Papers is a collection of 85 written essays. They appeared between October 1787 and May 1788 in various publications as a way to convince New Yorkers of the need to ratify the United States Constitution. The Federalist Papers was the mastermind of Alexander Hamilton well known for his multilayered works in establishing many of the principles of the United States. Hamilton recruited the assistance of James Madison and John Jay to assist in the writings of the various 85 essays. Collectively they used the nom de plume "Publius" for various reasons. The principle reason was to avoid ad hominem attacks to and from Governor Clinton who pushed against the Constitution. Hamilton's methods and presentations within the Federalist Papers were considered superior to his own plans for the Constitution in the Philadelphia convention. These collective essays are largely considered some of the greatest contributions to the literature regarding federalism, democracy and Western political leanings of the late 1700's. WHAT YOU GET