What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, aimed at promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution. The principal purpose of these writings was to address the concerns and arguments posed by opponents of the Constitution, often referred to as Anti-Federalists, and to explain how the proposed government would function.

By providing detailed analyses of the Constitution's provisions, the authors sought to reassure the public and the states about the benefits of a strong central government, emphasizing the importance of federalism and the separation of powers. They argued that such a government was necessary to overcome the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had proven inadequate in unifying the states and addressing national issues effectively. The Federalist Papers became a critical tool in the debate over the Constitution, helping to sway public opinion in favor of its ratification.

This context makes it clear why the focus on supporting the Constitution distinguishes this choice from others that may suggest opposition or unrelated themes such as state sovereignty.