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. in this passage, madison discusses the decision to write a new constitution. madison suggests that the states were anxious to work together. preferred to not form a confederation. would not cooperate with each other voluntarily. would never agree to voluntarily obey any laws.