The Federalist Papers used which Roman statesman’s name as their shared pseudonym?

The Federalist Papers used the name Publius, drawn from the Roman statesman Publius Valerius Publicola, as their shared pseudonym.

Publicola was an early leader of the Roman Republic and is traditionally described as a colleague of Lucius Junius Brutus, one of Rome’s founders. His name suggested republican government and resistance to monarchy, themes that suited the essays’ defense of the American Constitution.

Alexander Hamilton selected the pseudonym for the series, which he co-authored with James Madison and John Jay. The essays appeared during the American ratification debate of 1787 and 1788.

The name is often shortened simply to Publius, so readers may encounter the Federalist Papers credited to “Publius” rather than to Publicola. This is distinct from other political pseudonyms such as Brutus and Cato used by opponents or critics of the Constitution.