Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of consecutive terms that a Member of Congress may serve.
Summary
This document is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution that would limit the number of consecutive terms a member of Congress may serve. The proposed amendment specifies term limits for both Senators and Representatives. It also includes provisions for how partial terms due to vacancies and terms prior to ratification are to be handled.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would alter the composition of Congress by preventing long-serving members from remaining in office indefinitely. This could lead to more frequent turnover and potentially change the balance of power within the legislative branch. It could also open opportunities for new candidates and ideas.
Potential Benefits
- Could lead to increased responsiveness of elected officials to the needs of their constituents.
- May reduce the influence of special interests and lobbyists due to shorter tenures.
- Could create opportunities for a more diverse range of candidates to enter politics.
- May encourage fresh perspectives and innovative policy solutions.
- Could decrease the potential for corruption and abuse of power.
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of experienced legislators could negatively impact policy-making.
- Term limits may force out effective and dedicated public servants.
- Could increase the influence of unelected staff and lobbyists who possess institutional knowledge.
- Shorter terms may lead to a focus on short-term gains rather than long-term planning.
- Could disrupt the balance of power and create instability in Congress.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposal to amend the Constitution aligns with Article V, which outlines the process for amending the Constitution. This article grants Congress the power to propose amendments, which then must be ratified by three-fourths of the states. The proposed amendment itself does not directly contradict any existing constitutional provisions, but it would alter the structure and operation of the legislative branch as defined in Article I.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).