2008 civics test · Question 67 · Colonial Period and Independence

The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.

Any one of these answers is accepted

  • (James) Madison
  • (Alexander) Hamilton
  • (John) Jay
  • Publius

What this means

The Federalist Papers were written to support the passage of the Constitution. Name one of the writers:

  • James Madison
  • Alexander Hamilton
  • John Jay
  • Publius (the pen name all three used)

The three men published these essays under the single name “Publius” to argue that the states should adopt the new Constitution. Naming any one of them, or the pen name Publius, is accepted.

Both tests ask this the same way. An easy answer is “Hamilton” or “Madison.”

Why this is on the test

The Federalist Papers helped win support for the Constitution, and both tests ask you to name one of the writers.

How this question is asked

On the 2008 civics test, the officer asks up to 10 of the 100 questions out loud and you pass by answering 6 correctly. You answer in your own words. There is no multiple choice and nothing to write down for the civics portion.

This question also appears on the 2025 civics test , as question 83.

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