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 Based on this passage and what you have learned about the states, why were the states unwilling to voluntarily work together in a confederation?

Answer 1

Each state had its own interests and needs.

Answer 2

Answer:

Each state had its own interests and needs.

Explanation:

In these lines, Madison argues that it would be impossible for the country to achieve its goals and remain united under confederation. This was because confederation allowed the states too much independence by allowing the voluntary observance of the law. The fact that the law was voluntary means that the states would never fully commit to the nation, as they all had their own interests and needs, and they would put this first, before the unity of the country.