Term and Age Limits on Politicans... Is This a Good Idea?

Nah, I like the idea of older citizens helping us lead. Age limits smell of ageism. I do believe that we are a better nation with all generations helping us at the leadership table. We need to maintain the bottom limits but don't cap the top of the age range. During my time on the Hill, most of the really decent leaders were older. The younger folk had a tendency towards unnecessary brashness. (BTW, that isn't a hard and fast rule, goes both ways.) :thumbsup:

I can definitely see term limits being effective. Allows for a more significant system of checks and balances and (tries) to make sure we reduce our group of professional politicians.

I've rumble this around in my head and belief 4 or 5 terms is enough for Congressman (they are up every two years.) But in the Senate allow a max of 3 terms. Since they serve 6 year terms this would really let them offer a good check over the executive branch. That said I think if we repealed the 17th amendment that would offer a good check on the Senate by the states.

Well from my experience I think the national level is different then California. I don't know too many Senators who would want to go back to the House. Just saying.

This is a good convo topic. Thanks!:thumbs:

 

I used to favour term limits, but found it inconsistent with my general thoughts about the free choice in a representative government. The people of a congressional district should be the ones to decide if a person is too old or has been there too long. Good thought on the 25 year old minimum though...

 

No, I am not for term limits. I am for the American voter to get enough backbone to throw everyone of them out this November.

 

I oppose both age limits and term limits in general for legislative positions, but I think that term limits should be retained for executive positions. We don't need to create de facto monarchs.

The problem with term limits for legislatures is that the limits tend to create legislatures full of representatives who are going through "on the job" training.

 

Term limits are a good idea

 

It is the running for re-election that causes the corruption. Once the newbie gets to congress he realizes he has a good job and that he will have to play ball to keep it. I propose one term of 4 or 6 years.

 

Totally disagree. If people would use them them two year terms give voters the chance to fix a mistake quickly.

 

In fact term limits are a great idea. It is good for the Presidency and it would be good for everyone else as well.

 

No!!! If the voters would pay attention, it would take care of self. Repeal the 17th amendment would help too.

 

I disagree with the goose/gander analogy.

The president is the national executive, in charge of national affairs.

The House and Senate are representatives of the states. I would not like the national government telling the states how they can choose their representatives or how long they can stay.

If states want to impose term limits on the representatives they elect, that is another matter and possibly worthy of further consideration.

I don't even like the fact that the 17th amendment told the states how they had to elect their senators. Up until then it was up to the states, where the power to do so should be.

 

LOL - I was looking for the 'like' button here. (Facebookers will understand )

Although I think states might still choose to let the people elect their senators, I don't like the fact that they are told how to do so.

 

I am interested to know who suggested that anyone other than the states impose term limits. Whether it is the President or congress the purpose is the same.

 

I wouldn't want a limitation on age. That is for the states and the voters to decide. Actually, I've wondered that more people who are retired or approaching retirement don't go into public office. 'Course by that time most people have seen enough of the dark side of politics from the outside looking in.... they have too much sense to want to jump from the pan into the fire especially when it would probably shorten what life they have left and ruin the happiest hopes of enjoying their retirement and grandkids.

I think term limits should be up to the citizens of each state to decide. But, considering how short the terms are for representatives..... a limit of two terms might be too short considering the time it may take to get acquainted with the resources, communication channels, familiarity with congressional committee asignments and scope, and various administrative and legislative duties of their office.

I think the public would best be served if the voters would revolt against all political parties and start demanding they would not consider voting for any candidate who was incapable of writing his own contract or platform for the people to understand what he stands for or what he's against.... or a statement of principals which he uses to guide the decisions of his life and a resume which matches his experience and growth.... and soundness of his decisions.

I would welcome the repeal of the 17th amendment.

 

The constitution gives congress the power to set its own election rules and it isn't likely congress will impose term limits on itself. It would take a new amendment.

 

Uh...states can impose its own term limits.

 

States can impose term limits on state and local elections. Which state has term limits on congressional elections?