Term Limits for Congress

[Knotical]

There is always plenty of talk as to why we need term limits for members of Congress, but since this generally requires a bill introduced by a member of Congress and a majority (either simple or 2/3rd) vote to pass it is highly unlikely this will ever happen. So the question becomes how do we get this instituted without the support of the very people this would affect?

 

[stovebolts]

There is always plenty of talk as to why we need term limits for members of Congress, but since this generally requires a bill introduced by a member of Congress and a majority (either simple or 2/3rd) vote to pass it is highly unlikely this will ever happen. So the question becomes how do we get this instituted without the support of the very people this would affect?

I've thought of that, but I've also thought about how they get appointed to office.

If the US really wanted to implement term limits, we would simply vote them out...

Most people really don't want term limits...

 

[Bull of the Woods]

I believe term limits were not included in the constitution because the framers also did not consider salaries that would make a living possible long term. The assumption was that serving would require sacrifice, including probable loss of income from the office holders business or farm. The thought was that one or two terms would be a natural limit and if in rare cases a person wanted more and the voters wanted more of them that was ok. They didn't envision people making a career out of the House of Representatives or Senate.
So maybe the answer is drastically reducing their salaries and perks and legislation that would also stop them from using the office to make personal deals based on the contacts and inside knowledge they have.
None of these things will happen though. So I guess term limits are an option except it does remove the right of the voters to select a person they want if they have reached their term limit.

 

[jasonc]

I've thought of that, but I've also thought about how they get appointed to office.

If the US really wanted to implement term limits, we would simply vote them out...

Most people really don't want term limits...

We are programmed for the lesser of two,evils .that plays a part .my,state has them but,they simply run,for state house ,or the senate .a lady I once voted for did that and I refused to support her .

 

[WIP]

There is always plenty of talk as to why we need term limits for members of Congress, but since this generally requires a bill introduced by a member of Congress and a majority (either simple or 2/3rd) vote to pass it is highly unlikely this will ever happen. So the question becomes how do we get this instituted without the support of the very people this would affect?

I disagree with imposed term limits for our elected representatives. The problem with term limits is that it denies we the people of the right to elect those into office that we feel best represent our needs. We live in a representative republic and when we are not allowed to choose who represents us, we will no longer live in a representative republic.

 

[jasonc]

I disagree with imposed term limits for our elected representatives. The problem with term limits is that it denies we the people of the right to elect those into office that we feel best represent our needs. We live in a representative republic and when we are not allowed to choose who represents us, we will no longer live in a representative republic.

Opposite argument is that the incumbent have political machinery

 

[WIP]

Opposite argument is that the incumbent have political machinery

Please explain. What is political machinery?

We already have the power to limit terms. In a representative republic the candidate with the most votes by the people is the chosen representative. Don't vote for the incumbent if you don't want him/her reelected.

The real reason for term limits is to give the minority voters (those who's chosen candidate lost) more power but then the people are no longer fairly represented.

 

[WIP]

Suppose someone is elected and turns out to be very good and loved by those he represents. With term limits he/she would be forced to give up the position and no longer serve.

I have known some. One in particular was James Oberstar from Northern MN. I rarely vote for candidates endorsed by the Democratic party but I voted for Jim more than once when I lived in his district because I felt he did a great job and he wasn't on the extreme left.

 

[jasonc]

Please explain. What is political machinery?

We already have the power to limit terms. In a representative republic the candidate with the most votes by the people is the chosen representative. Don't vote for the incumbent if you don't want him/her reelected.

The real reason for term limits is to give the minority voters (those who's chosen candidate lost) more power but then the people are no longer fairly represented.

who candidates will pay somebody to run as independent just to take enough votes so that they still win,these will take votes away from,the opposition.its been documented.

Besides donation ,pay a politician.have money donate and your cause will be fast and swift to pass or foremost.the tea party is a political arm of the republican,party nobody without connections runs and wins

 

[jasonc]

I'm not against donations but millionaires running to,loose money for office and make a carrier of years don't add up

 

[Corn Pop]

Complicated situation.

 

[Corn Pop]

Please explain. What is political machinery?

We already have the power to limit terms. In a representative republic the candidate with the most votes by the people is the chosen representative. Don't vote for the incumbent if you don't want him/her reelected.

The real reason for term limits is to give the minority voters (those who's chosen candidate lost) more power but then the people are no longer fairly represented.

That actually makes sense. They only stay in because people vote them in. If they win for years on end they win . It's the people choice.

In the end it's only the people who screw themselves over.

 

[Knotical]

Incumbency is a difficult thing to overcome for a new candidate as they have to generate a lot more funds to get their name out there, where the person who is holding office already has the name recognition. Now if we made it illegal to use public funds for the campaign, and actually enforced the laws that apply, then we could possibly level the playing field. But then we are talking more about election process reform than just enacting term limits. Which is another thing that will be next to impossible to get passed through our government.

 

[Corn Pop]

What would happen if everyone decided to run themselves and everyone voted for themselves.