Pros And Cons Of Term Limits In Congress

Many people believe in term limits. “In the 1900’s, public opinion polls showed that 70 to 80 percent of the American public supported the idea of term limits for Congress” (Feinberg, 1996). Term limits in Congress can be argued that the politicians who have been in office for decades could have be out of new ideas or have become comfortable in their position. It seems only fair that if others involved in politics, such as the president, can only serve for a number of terms than Congress should be faced with the same. “Term limits encourage politicians to work quickly and efficiently to pass good legislation that immediately benefits the electorate, and to prevent the partisan bickering and infighting that often gums up legislatures” (Issues

“When politicians know they must return to ordinary society and live under the laws passed while they are in Congress, they will think more carefully about the long-term effects of the programs they support” (Meiner 1992). If an elected officer has to live underneath the laws they have passed, in office they will focus more on what they believe will benefit them when they become a citizen instead of passing laws that they would never have to live under. With some politicians becoming too comfortable with their power, the idea of them having to become regular, American citizens will make them rethink how what they are supporting. Term limits have a positive effect on elected officials and laws being passed. “Basham notes that, there appears to be a positive relationship between term limits and fiscal conservatism. He argues that politicians faced with limit to their terms are more likely to cut taxes, rein in long-term deficit spending programs and be more inclined to balance the budget” (Issues and Controversies,

Someone who is against term limits could argue that term limits are not democratic and our country is seen as a democratic society. Not only is anti-democratic but term limits can make politicians or public officers qualified to run again. This would case the individual to have to win over the people and convince them that they would be the best choice in being reelected. While the politician is working hard to try and become reelected, that person may not end up being reelected which could be a negative thing. That politician that was not reelected could have had some good ideas to get help our society but will unable to show for it because they did not win the vote. “Critics say that politicians should be rewarded for ably serving their constituents, and the best reward is reelection. Term-limited elected officials are perhaps the only people in the U.S. who risk losing their jobs because they gain too much relevant experience, opponents further assert” (Issues and Controversies,