About the Author

Alexander Hamilton was born in 1757 on the island of Nevis, in the Leeward group, British West Indies. During the Revolutionary War, he joined the staff of General Washington as secretary and aide-de-camp and soon became his close confidant as well. Hamilton was elected to the Continental Congress in 1782-83. Hamilton's part in New York's ratification of the Constitution the next year was substantial, though he felt it was deficient in many respects. Against determined opposition, he collaborated with John Jay and James Madison in writing The Federalist Papers.

James Madison, born March 16, 1751, the first of ten children born to a slave owning family in Orange County, Virginia. He grew up to be an impassioned opponent of established religion and advocate of what was then called freedom of conscience. In 1779, Madison was selected to represent Virginia in the Continental Congress and was the youngest member. Madison was highly instrumental in the convening of the Constitutional Convention; he played a key part in guiding the Constitution through the Continental Congress. In 1809, Madison became the fourth President of the United States.

John Jay (1745-1829) was an American statesman and first Chief Justice of the United States. he was born in New York City and graduated from Columbia University in 1764. In pre-Revolutionary activities he reflected the views of the conservative colonial merchant, opposing British actions but not favoring independence. Once the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed, however, he energetically supported the patriot cause. He contributed five papers to The Federalist, dealing chiefly with the Constitution in relation to foreign affairs.