Although all 85 Federalist essays are worthy of study, there are a few that stand out, addressing key debates between the Founders and Americans of that generation, and thus providing us with clear positions on certain topics.

• Federalist 1 – Introduction, Alexander Hamilton, October 27, 1787
• Federalist 9 – The Utility of the Union as a Safeguard against Domestic Faction and Insurrection, Alexander Hamilton, November 21, 1787
• Federalist 10 – The same Subject continued, James Madison, November 22, 1787
• Federalist 37 – Concerning the difficulties which the convention must have experienced in the formation of a proper plan, James Madison, January 11, 1788
• Federalist 39 – The conformity of the plan to republican principles: an objection in respect to the powers of the convention, examined, James Madison, January 16, 1788
• Federalist 51 – [The meaning of the maxim, which requires a separation of the departments of power, examined and ascertained] continued, with the same view, and concluded, James Madison, February 6, 1788
• Federalist 55 – [Concerning the house of representatives, with a view to the qualifications of the electors and elected, and the time of service of the members] continued, in relation to the total number of the body, James Madison, February 13, 1788
• Federalist 63 – A further view of the constitution of the senate, in regard to the duration of the appointment of its members, James Madison, March 1, 1788
• Federalist 70 – [Concerning the constitution of the president] continued, in relation to the unity of the executive, and with an examination of the project of an executive council, Alexander Hamilton, March 15, 1788
• Federalist 71 – The same view continued, in regard to the duration of the office, Alexander Hamilton, March 18, 1788
• Federalist 78 – A view of the constitution of the judicial department in relation to the tenure of good behaviour, Alexander Hamilton, May 28, 1788
• Federalist 84 – Concerning several miscellaneous objections, Alexander Hamilton, July 16, 1788