While many people argue that a lack of term limits allows for long-term experience and expertise, many others argue that it hinders the ability of political newcomers with different views and ideas to enter either the U.S. Congress. Both sides of the issue have merit, but the argument has resulted in numerous efforts to implement term limits. A case regarding the implementation of term limits for U.S. Representatives and Senators even made it to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1995, but was decided in favor of no term limits. There have also been efforts for a constitutional amendment addressing this issue. Suffice it to say, this issue remains alive and well.
Steps to Complete the Task
Step 1: Research
Read about congressional term limits in the textbook (Chapter 2, page 61 and Chapter 11, page 414).
Watch this video on the Supreme Court case U.S. Term Limits, Inc. vs. Thornton:
Can Congress Have Term Limits? | U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton
Read the following article from the Issues & Controversies database
Term Limits for Elected Officials: Are term limits for elected officials a good idea?
Note Taking Tip: Take notes as you read. Since you know you are reading about two sides of issue, one way to take notes is to have a page for the “for” side and a page for the “against” side. As you read, you can make note of unique perspectives, facts, and/or events that each side uses for evidence to support their viewpoint.
Step 2: Analyze and Evaluate
Consider both sides of the argument. What evidence was effective for supporting congressional term limits? What evidence was effective for imposing congressional term limits?
Based on the information you studied, how would you respond to the following questions?
What are the arguments in support of congressional term limits?
What are the arguments for imposing term limits ?
Do you support or oppose the congressional term limits? Why? And what are the implications for voters either way?
