Which documents supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution?

The Federalist Papers played a crucial role in garnering support for the passage of the U.S. Constitution. These papers, authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, were written to explain the newly proposed constitution and to advocate for its ratification. They addressed concerns that the public and the states had regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the states, as well as the protections for individual rights.

By articulating the benefits of a stronger central government, the Federalist Papers provided a persuasive argument for the Constitution and helped to clarify the intentions behind its various provisions. They aimed to reassure skeptics that the proposed government would not be tyrannical and would instead safeguard liberties while promoting effective governance.

In contrast, while the Declaration of Independence was fundamental in establishing the principles of American democracy, it did not directly address the Constitution itself. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was introduced after the Constitution had already been ratified as a means to ensure protection of individual liberties. The Articles of Confederation, which preceded the Constitution, demonstrated the weaknesses of a loose confederation of states and underscored the need for a more robust federal system, thereby highlighting the reasons for adopting the Constitution.