Why did the U.S. Supreme Court strike this down?

Question

In 1992, Ohio Voters passed a State Constitutional Amendment limiting Federal U.S. Congressman from Ohio to 8 years in office.

Answer 1

federal office...not a state one......qualifications set by US constitution

Answer 2

Either read the link provided by the second answer above or else I can give you a brief explanation.

The U.S. Constitution provides for certain qualifications for holding a seat in Congress. On a previous occasion, in 1969, the Supreme Court proclaimed that those qualifications are "exhaustive." That is, those are the only qualifications and no one may ignore those qualifications (put a 20-year-old in Congress) or try to add MORE qualifications (require that everybody be a lawyer). Limiting how many terms one can get elected is the same thing as creating an additional qualification for serving in Congress. So the only way to do it is to amend the Constitution -- like the 22nd Amendment limited the President to just two terms.

Answer 3

The Court decided that the state did not have the right to dictate federal term limits. This law should be passed on the federal level though...it shows wisdom. Also, there should be a repeal on the Congress' right to raise their own wages!

Answer 4

The US Congress is a federal institution that is governed by federal law. It cannot be bound by State law. Or just read the opinion.

Answer 5

"U.S. Supreme Court rules in U.S. Term Limits v. Thornton that individual states may not limit the terms of members of Congress, rendering part of 1994's Measure #408 unconstitutional.
"http://www.ncsl.org/programs/legismgt/about/nebterm.htm

Answer 6

HERE THE SUPREME COURT DID NOT SEE THIS AS A CASE TO RULE ON. IT IS NOT A FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE.

Answer 7

Because they don't want their own jobs to eventually become limited. They should be forced to retire at age 65 or 70 but they have a lifetime position and they don't want the public getting any ideas to the contrary.