Question

It was generally agreed that the objects of the Union could not be secured by any system founded on the principle of a confederation of sovereign States. A voluntary observance of the federal law by all the members, could never be hoped for.

–James Madison,
letter to Thomas Jefferson,
October 24, 1787

In this passage, Madison discusses the decision to write a new Constitution.

Madison suggests that under a confederation, the states:

would be better able to work together.
would not share the same principles.
would not cooperate with each other voluntarily.
would be more secure.

Answer 1

would not cooperate with each other voluntarily.

Explanation: Madison says a confederation of sovereign states could not secure the Union’s goals because one could not rely on voluntary observance of federal law by all members.