Why not put term limits on our congress...we did it on our president..why not?

Question

At the beginning of our republic, most of congress was temporary. It was duty that people served in it, and careers were short. In the early 1900's it started to become a career thing, and because of that we've seen significant expansions in our government.

After FDR's death we realized how much our government can change just by one president, and so we decided to limit presidential terms. I think that was wise.

Why not congress? I'm sick of seeing either side stay on with near impunity! In order to instill a politican of duty and a politician closer to the people,...why not have new blood in every 8 years? Why not have another primary with someone different?

The world changes, and it seems that these elite lifelong politicians have nothing to lose. I mean this about both parties. It's silly that dems and repubs can't get together on this. We both understand the value don't we?

August 29, 2007

Tell me if your a dem, repub, lean left, lean right, etc...and what your position is, and why...

Thanks.

Answer 1

You either have to do it with a law in your state, applicable to only your state, or with a constitutional amendment.

Good Luck with that.

Answer 2

Strict term limits. No more six year terms for a Senator, make it three years and a total of two terms and out of government. Three two year terms in the House of Representatives and out. If a person really wants to serve the country that's plenty of time to accomplish whatever, if they are nothing but a leech who has accomplished nothing but voting, they need to go, it's time for a change. At over a hundred thousand a year why should politicians have their health care paid for by the taxpayers? It should be somewhat of a privilege to serve your state and the country, not a job that turns you into a powerful, rich lawmaker who no longer looks out for the good of the country by doing the will of the people. We should also simplify our own lives by demanding two thirds of the will of the people be the will of the people when we get into situations like Iraq. Take it right out of the politicians hands and put the decision to the American people. If we had a vote of America right now on the issue of leaving or staying in Iraq, we would be gone.

Answer 3

I am a firm believer in term limits. The longer a representative is in congress the more power he attains. Some one mentioned "pork" The longevity of reps & senators position hem to funnel huge amounts of money to their districts & states. Good for their constituents, but, very bad for the nation. The good of the nation as a whole should be their first priority. The way it is now is how your get the "bridge to nowhere" & four lane hyways in Bedford county, PA that very few people travel on. ( rep Bud Shuster from Bedford county was chairman of the commitee for hyway moneys distribution, hence the wonderful roads there). Term limits would eliminate this very wasteful practice. We all pay taxes, let the whole nation benefit from them.

Answer 4

I personally feel they should be limited to 2 terms for senators and 4 terms for representatives, total of 8 years for each. They should then have to go back to their own homes and have to live under the regulations they placed on the rest of us.

Answer 5

I agree with you totally! Some of these people have been on the public dole for far too long! New blood is needed on a regular basis. For those who have been there for so long, they are totally out of touch with reality. Their thinking is out of date with the times. We also need to limit what income they can retire with; we are paying thousands of ex politicians millions of dollars a year for doing even less than they did while holding office. Also, they can all afford health care, why should we provide health care for them & their families for the rest of their lives? These are wealthy people who do not need these perks that are costing us an arm & a leg. Lets put a stop to it, now! My political associations have nothing to do with your question!

Answer 6

I agree....a lifetime limit of two four year terms for all, no career pols, no long term understanding of the ropes, necessary. Take a break from your life back home, represent your district or state, understanding exactly what they want, 'cause you really live there....how long ago was it that McCain or Kennedy actually lived in AZ or MA?

Answer 7

I am a conservative.

I agree with term limits. Some answers have stated that incumbents are reelected because they are doing a good job.
This is not true. Incumbents are often reelected because they have more money and more effective campaign machines.and because people have limited choices.

Answer 8

Members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years -- if they keep getting elected over and over again, then it's obvious that their constituents like them.

Senators are elected every six years, by the entire state -- again, if they keep getting elected over and over again, then it's obvious that their constituents like them.

The difference is -- individually, senators and congressfolk cannot exercise the kind of individual directed control that the president can -- they have almost no power individually, as opposed to the executive who has huge power individually.

Answer 9

A Congress of rookies. Wow does that make any sense?
Actually we have term limits. Every 2 years for Congressmen and every 6 for Senators. They are called elections. You don't like the incombant run against them, support someone who is running against them. Or vote for their opponent. Don't complain. Do something.

Answer 10

Guess who writes the laws so those old thugs will stay till death do we part