First, this is about term limits and how we as the American people might be able to make this happen.
Second, both (all) sides should be interested in this.
Third, do you all think it possible for a grassroots effort to result in a Constitutional Convention to amend the Constitution to establish term limits?
Fourth, exactly how does a Constitutional Convention come about (by act of Congress and / or state Governors)? Is there any mechanism for the people to drive this process?
Finally, who would join me in trying to force this issue through a grassroots movement?
2007-05-10
05:12:46
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9 answers
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asked by
bossbackocd
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in
Politics & Government
➔ Politics
Too confusing? Amend the Constitution to include Congressional term limits...
I'm not talking about "Constitutional reform." There is a process built into the Constitution that allows for amendments. You know, the Bill of Rights and 11 through 27 that have followed through the years.
The answerer who pointed out that the founding fathers did not intend for career politicians is correct.
2007-05-10
05:24:47 ·
update #1
I KNOW THAT A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IS NOT THE ONLY WAY TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION.
Let me backup - congress will NEVER vote themselves out of a lifetime cushy job.
The only way that term limits will ever happen is if the American people make it happen.
I don't have much hope for that either based on the answers I am seeing.
2007-05-10
05:27:12 ·
update #2
Evolution?
Huh?
2007-05-10
05:34:52 ·
update #3
I really hope that most of these first 7 answers were given by elementary school kids. If not, I am truly scared for America.
2007-05-10
08:01:38 ·
update #4
The AMerican voter has been bought, either through laziness or ignorance they continue to re-elect the same corrupt politicians over and over. Voting has FAILED. People in congress in CA have as much effect on me in my state as do my own people, yet I have no way to effect them being re-elected forever, Byrd and Dollar Bill Jefferson come to mind and prove my point pretty clearly.
Prior to the last election, Repubs held 233 seats, 74 of those had been in office more than 12 years, 26 more than 20 years, for the Dems, 207 seats, 96 more than 12 years and 34 more than 20 years in the House. The Dems average 13.2 years in office and the Repubs average 10.8 years.
In the senate 35 Dems have held those seats more than 12 years (Dems average 20.8 years in office and Reps average 16.1 years) and the Repubs have 32 with that dubious distinction.
These numbers show that once in office they only leave by dying or quitting, the chance of one of these careerists being voted out is just about nil. These people have a strangle hold on our country.
It is proven the longer a person is in congress the more of our money they waste, look at Byrd, and the more needless laws they write.
There is an ongoing effort to have a Constitution Convention. I believe there are 32 states already in and we need 35 to take it to Congress. That is 3 more states needed, that is all before we can have a voice in our government.
The states legislatures vote for the convention and call for Congress to do so.
There are several organizations doing this now and are specific issue oriented. There is Help Change America is one that pops instantly to mind and term limits is one of their issues.
I will do anything I can to see that we once again have representation in congress, and that corrupt careerists become unemployed. When, where and what can I do?
You should be aware that the majority of democrats are term limits and our right to a constitutional convention, which sort of tells you the kind of government they like. You should also consider what will happen when the states do mandate one and Congress refuses, and with the bunch in control today it is virtually guaranteed they would say no.
2007-05-10 09:54:15
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answer #1
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answered by rmagedon 6
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We have term limits. We always have had them. They happen about every 2 years. In the House of representatives they are up every 2 years, the Senate every 6 years and the President every 4 years. If you don't like the job the person is doing vote for their opponent.
The only reason term limits exist at all is because Republicans couldn't get elected against a popular Democrat and so when they could they imposed term limits thinking it would give them a chance. It did and now things are really going to Hell in a handbasket. Experience is a valuable thing in governing. If all we have are rookies things will really be wacko. Think and do research before you go advocating things. You may find that it sounds great on the surface but deeper issues exist that make the idea not so good after all.
2007-05-10 05:24:42
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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A constitutional convention is not required to amend the constitution. All that is required is an amendment.
Given the highly polarized political climate we have now, a constitutional convention would be a disaster. Re writing the constitution, which is what you are advocating, would take years and would involve some of the harshest political debate we've ever seen. Rewriting the 2nd amendment alone would take forever.
The constitution we have now works and can be changed as needed.
2007-05-10 05:21:31
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I agree with the concept. I don't think the original founders wanted career politicians in the house and senate. We need representatives that will get elected for the purpose of making a difference, not keeping themselves elected by constantly playing it safe by the polls.
2007-05-10 05:19:12
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Convention that formed our govt Virginia plan vs Jersey plan based off population or same for all states
2016-05-19 22:33:24
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answer #5
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answered by ? 3
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All you need is an amendment. I would not favor a constitutional convention, because then EVERYTHING would be up for review.
I don't think we can improve on what the statesmen who originally created the Constitution in 1787 have done. Not at all.
2007-05-10 05:16:39
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answer #6
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answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7
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People interested in bringing about constitutional reforms should step in!
2007-05-10 05:18:03
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answer #7
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answered by Sami V 7
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Evolution is a word cons fear and distrust but as progress and Humanity achieves greater depth and insight, various concepts have to be re-evaluated and decisions made to meet these new requirements
2007-05-10 05:25:27
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answer #8
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answered by Don W 6
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It sounds a little to confusing. Maybe something a little more easy to understand up front.
2007-05-10 05:18:22
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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