Question

Currently, there are no term limits for the elected members of House of Representatives and the Senate. This means: As long as they can continue to get reelected they can serve as long as they want. What are at least TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages to not having terms limits on service in Congress? Do you agree that members of Congress should not have term limits? If so, why? If not, why not?

Answer 1

In the given scenario of no term limits, the first advantage is the focus upon those programs that can provide benefits & welfare to the voters and people of the USA. It brings plan, design and development of those policies, laws and regulations, that are meant for the development of the economy of the USA and less attention will be given to work on those aspects that can bring more attention to satisfy a specific group of voters. The second advantage is the higher scope of continuity of the programs that bring benefits to the people and the economy. If not given the repeated terms, then new members will come, repeal the past programs and launch new programs. It will increase volatility in program implementation if repeated terms are not given.

Though there are disadvantages as well. The first disadvantage is the presence of slow decision making process as members think of coming some work in next term and it causes elongation of the duration of the programs. The second disadvantage is not getting fresh members who could bring new ideas, new approach and philosophies in decisions and policy planning. But, it is missing if the same members come after getting elected on a regular basis.

There should be term limits that should provide a good period to do the work, say 3 terms or 4 terms, because this is the term limit that gives sufficient time to do the work, implement plan and fulfill the promises made. Afterwards, people should elect new members to come and implement new ideas to bring benefits to the next level. So, it is important to set the term limits with having adequate time for the members to deliver the work committed.