Convention of 1788, in the chapter The Argument. James Madison noticed the conflicts arising due to the weak Articles of Confederation, such as selfishness, and disunion. The author tells about Madison’s plan to help his failing government and the challenges he endured in the process. Joseph Ellis insists that Madison’s main issue with the current government were the effects of the Article of Confederation. Washington, in agreeance with Madison stated that, the American republic was at the edge of anarchy