Which of the following individuals was a writer of the Federalist Papers?

The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 articles and essays written to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution. Among the prominent figures behind this influential work, Alexander Hamilton played a key role. He was one of the primary authors, writing 51 of the essays, along with James Madison and John Jay. The goal of the Federalist Papers was to explain the new Constitution and encourage states to adopt it by outlining the principles of government and the importance of a strong central authority.

This makes Hamilton's contribution particularly significant in the context of American history, as his arguments in favor of a strong federal government shaped the early political landscape of the United States. The persuasiveness and numerous defenses of various constitutional provisions in the Federalist Papers continue to be referenced in discussions of constitutional interpretation to this day.

In contrast, individuals like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson played important roles in American history but did not participate in writing the Federalist Papers. Franklin was prominent in the earlier stages of American independence, while Adams and Jefferson were significantly involved in the Declaration of Independence and subsequent early governance. Their contributions were vital but did not encompass the specific endeavor of creating the Federalist Papers.