The Federalist Papers were written by these three men, who used the pseudonym "Publius" to persuade the states to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787-88. The essays explained the principles, structure, and functions of the federal system, and addressed the major issues and controversies that arose during the Constitutional Convention. The Federalist Papers are considered one of the most important sources of American political thought and constitutional theory. ^{8 6}