The Federalist Papers

• James Madison: Often called “the father of the Constitution,” Madison played a crucial role in drafting the U.S. Constitution at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and later helped draft the Bill of Rights. He served as Secretary of State under Thomas Jefferson and then as President for two terms, during which the United States achieved victory in the War of 1812. He was the last Founding Father to die, in 1836.

• Alexander Hamilton: Born in the British West Indies, Hamilton served with distinction during the American War of Independence, becoming George Washington’s secretary and aide-de-camp. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and organized the writing of The Federalist essays. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, he significantly shaped early American fiscal policy. His life ended tragically in a duel with his political rival, Aaron Burr, in 1804.

• John Jay: A proponent of reconciliation with Great Britain in the Continental Congress, Jay later worked to garner support for independence in New York. He was a key member of the peace delegation that negotiated the treaty ending the Revolutionary War. Though illness hampered his contribution to The Federalist essays, he went on to serve as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and later as Governor of New York.

• Richard Beeman: Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Pennsylvania, Richard Beeman has held significant administrative positions within the university. He is a trustee and executive committee member of the National Constitution Center. Beeman is the author of several books, including The Penguin Guide to the United States Constitution and Plain Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution. His work has been recognized with numerous grants and awards, and his biography of Patrick Henry was a finalist for the National Book Award.

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