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Written under the shared pseudonym “Publius” by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the 85 Federalist essays appeared in New York newspapers in 1787–1788 to urge ratification of the proposed Constitution.
The Federalist Papers remain the most authoritative contemporary explanation of the Constitution’s design. Three essays are most frequently cited for their enduring influence on American constitutional thought.

Federalist No. 10

Madison on faction and the advantages of a large republic.

Federalist No. 51

Madison on separation of powers and checks and balances.

Federalist No. 78

Hamilton on the judiciary and judicial review.

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Source

Texts adapted from the Avalon Project at Yale Law School, which hosts all 85 essays.