ABSTRACT
The U.S. Constitution allows congressmen to run for as many terms as they please. Although opinion polls show that most Americans support congressional term limits, there is not a strong will among congressmen to limit their ability to run for reelection. Supporters of term limits argue that they prevent career politicians and make elections more competitive. Opponents argue that term limits weaken the power of the legislative branch, while increasing the power of the executive branch and lobbyists. In this chapter, the author reviews the three main questions surrounding legislative term limits. First, can people be trusted to make good voting decisions? Second, is it harmful for democracy that congressmen have high reelection rates? Finally, will term limits strengthen the power of the executive branch?
