Federalist Papers No. 10 was written to persuade which state to ratify the Constitution?

• A. New York
• B. Massachusetts
• C. Virginia
• D. New Hampshire

Answer: (A)

Federalist No. 10 was written to persuade the people and leaders in New York to ratify the Constitution. James Madison explains how a large republic, with wide representation, can control factions and prevent any one faction from dominating government. New York’s affirmative vote was crucial for the new system to gain legitimacy and momentum, so the essay targets New York’s delegates at the ratifying convention and the broader New York public to reassure them that the proposed framework would protect liberty and stability. The piece is part of the campaign specifically aimed at winning New York’s support, addressing its fears about centralized power and the dangers of factionalism in a smaller state.