H.J.Res.12 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.12 proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution that would limit the number of terms a member of Congress may serve. Representatives would be limited to three terms, while Senators would be limited to two terms. The resolution specifies how partial terms due to vacancies are to be counted towards these limits.
This proposed amendment aims to address concerns about career politicians and entrenched power within Congress. It seeks to promote fresh perspectives and reduce the influence of special interests.
The amendment would only apply to terms beginning after the ratification date, ensuring that current service is not retroactively counted.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would change the composition of Congress over time, potentially leading to more frequent turnover of members. This could result in a shift in policy priorities and a change in the balance of power within the legislative branch.
New members might bring different experiences and perspectives, potentially leading to new legislative initiatives. However, the loss of experienced legislators could also impact the institution's ability to address complex issues effectively.
The amendment's impact would depend on how it affects voter behavior and the types of candidates who are elected under the new term limits.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Entrenchment: Limits the power of long-serving incumbents, potentially making Congress more responsive to the needs of the people.
- New Perspectives: Encourages new individuals to enter politics, bringing fresh ideas and approaches to governance.
- Increased Competition: Could lead to more competitive elections, as incumbents would not have the advantage of unlimited terms.
- Reduced Influence of Special Interests: May decrease the influence of lobbyists and special interests by preventing long-term relationships with legislators.
- Greater Accountability: Could make members of Congress more accountable to their constituents, as they would have a limited time to achieve their goals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of Expertise: Term limits could lead to a loss of experienced legislators, potentially hindering the ability of Congress to address complex issues.
- Increased Influence of Lobbyists: New members may rely more on lobbyists and special interests for information and guidance.
- Short-Term Focus: Members may focus on short-term gains rather than long-term solutions, as they would have a limited time in office.
- Disruption of Institutional Knowledge: Term limits could disrupt the continuity of institutional knowledge and processes within Congress.
- Voter Disenfranchisement: Voters may be deprived of the opportunity to re-elect experienced and effective representatives.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposed amendment aligns with the constitutional amendment process outlined in Article V of the United States Constitution, which allows for amendments to be proposed by Congress and ratified by the states. The amendment itself does not directly contradict any existing constitutional provisions.
However, some argue that term limits could potentially infringe upon the voters' right to choose their representatives, which is a fundamental aspect of representative democracy. This argument is based on the idea that voters should have the freedom to re-elect incumbents as long as they deem them fit to serve.
Ultimately, the constitutionality of the amendment would depend on its interpretation by the courts, should it be ratified and challenged.
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).