The Federalist Papers

By: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Originally published anonymously, The Federalist Papers first appeared in 1787 as a series of letters to New York newspapers exhorting voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. Still hotly debated and open to often controversial interpretations, the arguments first presented here by three of America's greatest patriots and political theorists were created during a critical moment in our nation's history, providing readers with a running ideological commentary on the crucial issues facing a democracy. Today, The Federalist Papers are as important and vital a rallying cry for freedom as ever.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

Every American must read this!

Even if you’re not an American, the Shining City on a Hill is fully explained in these papers. There’s nothing like America, and here’s why.

Interesting and relaxing

Great for studying history some times, and for bedtime drowsiness other times. Very meaningful background of why we have the government we do, and what the original politicians were trying to protect us from.

Must read/hear for any with a mind toward freedom

A must read for those who are trying to decipher where the minds of the time were at when the Constitution was being written and debated. This was obviously compiled with a singular argument in mind, so to expect the counter points (though those are presented sporadically) would have been a nicety, but you shouldn’t read here for those.

The best way to understand our constitution

Here are the answers to arguments against the ratification of the constitution. What better way to understand the intents and meaning of the constitution, than to here the arguments in favor of its enactment, by several of the most influential members of the convention.

Timeless and dense

I’m not sure what’s hard to read Shakespeare or Hamilton. Definitely both are reading but take a lot of effort. ChatGPT is probably your best friend to help translate 18th century English into modern prose