Term Limits
Here are 10 good reasons why:
- Prevent Career Politicians
Term limits discourage individuals from making a lifelong career out of holding office, which can reduce complacency and self-interest. - Encourage Fresh Ideas
New legislators can bring innovative thinking and fresh perspectives, which might be stifled under long-standing incumbents. - Reduce Corruption
Shorter terms can limit the influence of lobbyists and special interests, as politicians have less time to build entrenched relationships. - Increase Accountability
Knowing they have limited time, lawmakers may feel more urgency to act in the public interest rather than focus on re-election strategies. - Promote Citizen Legislators
Term limits can encourage more ordinary citizens to serve temporarily in Congress, instead of leaving it to a political elite. - Dismantle Incumbent Advantage
Incumbents have significant advantages (fundraising, name recognition, etc.), making it hard for challengers. Term limits level the playing field. - Improve Legislative Turnover
Regular turnover can help keep Congress more reflective of current public sentiment and demographic shifts. - Discourage Power Consolidation
Long-serving members often accumulate disproportionate power (e.g., through seniority), which can reduce balance and fairness. - Boost Civic Engagement
Term limits can increase political competition and voter interest by creating more open seats and less predictable elections. - Limit Partisan Entrenchment
Long tenures can contribute to entrenched partisanship. New faces may be more willing to collaborate across the aisle.