Purpose: While U.S. presidents have term limits imposed on them by the Twenty-Second Amendment (1951), U.S. congressional members do not. This has been a point of contention not just in political and academic circles, but even for citizens who aren’t necessarily politically active. The reasoning behind this is that whether or not you contribute to democracy by doing something like voting, the policies enacted by elected officials will affect you for as long as they’re in office and perhaps long after.
This discussion will help you understand the purpose and function of term limits, arguments for and against term limits, and develop and defend your own opinion regarding the issue.
Lesson Outcomes
Examine fundamental political processes, institutions, actors and ideas .
Critically evaluate major arguments in the discipline.
Effectively debate major arguments in both oral and written forms.
Perceive how factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, class, and region influence political narratives. (CLO 4)
Analyze major political events and historical political figures. (CLO 5)
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Background Information
How long should a U.S. Representative or Senator be allowed to serve? A maximum of 10 or 12 years? 20? Or perhaps there should be no limits at all. The concept of term limits is relatively straightforward, but the political history as well as implications for what’s called the incumbency are rather nuanced. According to the U.S. Constitution, the president can serve two four year terms. The two term limitation has only existed since the 1950s. U.S House members serve two year terms but can be reelected for an unlimited amount of terms. Similarly, U.S. Senators serve six year terms and can be reelected indefinitely.
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