The Federalist Papers are, jointly, the quintessential commentary on the United States Constitution authored by its staunchest proponents during the ratification conventions. The principal author of The Federalist (and of the Constitution, itself) makes the case for each Article of the Constitution on the merits of the document's language and underpinning principles. His contributions, and those of his Federalist peers, are central to all studies of the Constitution and the Founding Period and are an invaluable resource for those seeking “original intent” (if such intent is to be our guide in contemporary discussions). Numbers 10, 47, and 51 are not to be missed for those perusing the Federalist for the first time. For those seeking the alternative view on the Constitution from the same period, refer to The Federal Farmer, which spoke for the Anti-Federalist camp. Be forewarned: the Farmer is more classically liberal than the Federalist, by far.