Who was the primary author of the Federalist Papers?

The Federalist Papers is a collection of 85 articles and essays written to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution. The primary authors of these papers were indeed Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Each of them contributed significantly to the overall work and their collective efforts were intended to argue in favor of a stronger national government than what was provided under the Articles of Confederation.

Hamilton, as the most prolific contributor, wrote 51 of the essays, focusing on the need for a robust federal government and addressing concerns over the potential for tyranny under a centralized power. James Madison, often referred to as "the Father of the Constitution," was responsible for 29 essays, where he emphasized the importance of checks and balances and addressed the dangers of factions. John Jay contributed 5 essays, highlighting the importance of the union for both national security and governance.

The inclusion of all three authors in this significant work illustrates the collaborative effort to articulate the principles and rationale behind the Constitution, making option D the correct choice. Each author's unique perspective and contributions were essential in shaping public opinion and the political framework of the new nation.