Which publication argued in favor of ratifying the Constitution?

• A. The Federalist Papers
• B. The Anti-Federalist Papers
• C. The Declaration of Independence
• D. The Northwest Ordinance

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is who argued for approving the new framework of government. The Federalist Papers were written to persuade states to ratify the Constitution, presenting detailed reasons why a stronger national government would be both effective and legitimate while still being limited by checks and balances among the branches and by federalism that divides power between national and state governments. The essays also addressed fears of central tyranny by showing how a large republic and a carefully divided government could guard liberty and stability, not threaten it. They emphasized the practical benefits of uniting the states under a single Constitution and how the new system would provide for defense, coordination, and orderly change.

In contrast, the Anti-Federalist Papers argued against ratification, raising concerns about concentrated power. The Declaration of Independence is about proclaiming independence from Britain, not about ratifying a new Constitution. The Northwest Ordinance organized governance for the Northwest Territory and outlined rights there, but it did not advocate ratifying the Constitution.