Some of the most influential arguments in American history first appeared under a fake name.

On October 27, 1787, New York's Independent Journal published an essay signed 'Publius.' It was Federalist No. 1, written by Alexander Hamilton. Over the following months he, James Madison and John Jay wrote 85 essays urging New Yorkers to ratify the newly drafted Constitution.

The Constitution was ratified, and The Federalist Papers became one of the most important guides to what its framers intended. Judges, scholars and students still cite them today.

Have you ever read any of the Federalist Papers?

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