Which collection of writings argued in favor of ratifying the Constitution?

• A. Federalist Papers
• B. Anti-Federalist Papers
• C. Enlightenment
• D. Northwest Ordinance

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the Federalist Papers were a set of essays arguing for ratification of the Constitution. Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, these pieces were published during the ratification debates to persuade states, especially New York, to support the new framework. They defended a stronger central government while maintaining limits through a system of checks and balances, separation of powers, and federalism. The authors argued that a large republic with elected representatives could better manage national problems and prevent tyranny by factions, and they explained how the Constitution would function in practice. They also addressed rights concerns by explaining that a Bill of Rights would help protect individual liberties, a point that helped ease antifederalist worries. By contrast, the antifederalist writings argued against ratification, the Enlightenment is the broader philosophical movement behind these ideas, and the Northwest Ordinance was a policy on governing western territories, not a pro‑ratification argument.