For social studies I have to read some of the Federalist Papers. Does anyone have any ideas on how to tell what is important and what isn't? We're going to have a quiz on this in a week.

The most important, (to me, and my conlaw prof) was Federalist 10. It outlines the dangers of faction, advocates a large republic and discusses the dangers of democracy.

Other than that I would concentrate on the ones believed to have been writted by Hamilton, Madison and Jay. I dont remember the numbers off the top of my head. Look for the one that argues against the Bill of Rights, its considered relatively important as well.

I believe the Federalist papers were written exclusively by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay. Saying you would concentrate on all of them is a bit much, don't you think?

Knowing your grade level would be helpful for the detail involved. Is this high school or college studies? I'd presume high school or earlier by the name of "social studies" class, but I want to make sure.

EDIT: The one arguing against the Bill of Rights is No. 84, and No. 51 describes "Federalism". I'm taking these from Wikipedia because my copy is at home, but they sound right.

High school - I just finished (we're only reading 3 of them - 10, 51, and 70).

Other than that I would concentrate on the ones believed to have been writted by Hamilton, Madison and Jay.

lol, that would be all of them. :)

edit: oops, antilogic beat me to it... ;)

I think the breakdown of authorship is something like:
Hamilton ~50
Madison ~30
Jay ~5