What document supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution?

The Federalist Papers played a crucial role in supporting the passage of the U.S. Constitution by providing a detailed argument in favor of the document's adoption. Written primarily by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, these essays were published in newspapers and aimed to persuade the public and state legislators of the advantages of the new Constitution over the existing Articles of Confederation. The essays addressed concerns about the powers of the federal government, the need for a strong union, and the balance between liberty and authority, effectively clarifying the intention behind the Constitution's provisions and countering criticisms from opponents. This persuasive effort was instrumental in garnering the necessary support for ratification.

While the Articles of Confederation represented the original governing document, they were seen as inadequate, and the Magna Carta, though historically significant in establishing the principle of rule of law, did not directly support the Constitution. The Bill of Rights, although vital for protecting individual liberties, was adopted after the Constitution was ratified and aimed at addressing specific concerns that arose during the ratification debates.