H.J.Res.5 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms an individual may serve as a Member of Congress. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J.Res.5 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the number of terms a person may serve as a member of Congress. Representatives would be limited to six two-year terms, and Senators would be limited to two six-year terms. The amendment would not apply retroactively to service before the 118th Congress.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would alter the composition of Congress by regularly introducing new members and preventing long-term incumbency. This could lead to changes in policy priorities and potentially reduce the influence of established politicians. It could also lead to a loss of expertise and experience in the legislative branch.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces the influence of special interests due to regular turnover.
- May encourage fresh perspectives and innovative policy ideas.
- Could increase responsiveness of elected officials to their constituents.
- Might decrease the likelihood of corruption or abuse of power.
- Could lead to more competitive elections.
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of experienced legislators and institutional knowledge.
- Increased influence of lobbyists and unelected staff due to member inexperience.
- Potential for short-sighted policymaking due to limited time horizons.
- Disruption of established relationships and negotiation processes.
- May disproportionately affect certain demographics or regions.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposal aligns with Article V of the US Constitution, which outlines the amendment process. It does not directly conflict with any specific provision of the Constitution, but it would alter the structure and operation of the legislative branch as defined in Article I. The proposed amendment addresses the qualifications for holding office, which is generally within the purview of the states and the people, but the Constitution grants the power to amend the document to address such issues.
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).