Delegate Update

Term Limits The US Constitution sets term limits for only certain positions, such as the President and Vice President. But what about our legislators?

Constitutional Limits When the founding fathers wrote the Constitution they were concerned with limiting the power of the government to ensure it never became too strong. However, while the Constitution does definitively limit the Presidential and Vice Presidential positions, it is more open for the Legislative Branch.

Senators and Representatives The first 3 articles of the Constitution define and describe the powers of the Legislative, executive and judicial branches. These sections also define how long the term is for each position. OfficeTerm Representative 2 years Senator 6 years President and Vice President 4 years Supreme Court Justice LIFE Incumbent- an official currently holding office

Presidential Limits The Constitutional authors were particularly concerned with limiting the president’s powers to avoid another tyrannical government. With that goal in mind, the position of President was given terms lasting four years. For many years the President served no more than two terms following the precedent of President George Washington. Two terms means eight years in office. Only a 14 presidents have served two FULL terms: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland*, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

Franklin D. Roosevelt In 1940 FDR made history by being elected for a 3 rd time. Then in 1944 FDR was elected for a 4 th term! Unfortunately, FDR died in 1945, during the 4 th term. Though FDR accumulated great support, he also accumulated great power and abused some of his presidential influence. This was the original fear of the American Founding Fathers. Soon after FDR’s death, a movement began to limit the terms of a president. By 1947, the 22 nd Amendment was ratified, and the presidential office was limited to 2 terms, or a maximum of 10 years. And for all you Bernie supporters 

22 nd Amendment -can only be elected up to two times= 8 years -Vice presidents that are moved to President for less than 2 years can still get two terms -Vice Presidents that are moved to President for more than 2 years can only run for 1 term

Legislative Limits In today’s conflicted Political Climate, many Americans are calling for a limit to the terms of Congressmen and women. While many Americans support term limits, there is much conflict about what type of term limit will work best and protect the American people.

Types of Term Limits There are several types of term limits. Currently, every government position has limits except Supreme Court Justices, who serve for life. However, as discussion continues to grow about limits to congressional limits Americans must decide what is best. Option A: Consecutive Terms Limiting consecutive terms allows for ‘rookies’ or ‘former leaders’ to be elected. It also means the politician can be re-elected in the future as long as there was a break between each. Option B: Lifetime limits Lifetime limits means an official may never again be elected to any office that they have reached for the limit. This is much more restrictive

Congressional Endurance In the beginning of the 2015 Congress nearly 45% of the elected officials were reelected for consecutive terms. While a majority of Congressional positions between the House of Representatives and the Senate are newly elected positions, many still worry about long-serving politicians. PoliticianTenure length in years John Dingell (D)59 years Robert Byrd (D)57 years Carl Hayden (D)56 years Daniel Inouye (D)53 years Jamie Whitten (D)53 years John Conyers (D) 51 years ++ Carl Vinson (D)50 years Emanuel Celler (D)49 years Sam Rayburn (D)48 years Strom Thurmond (R)46 years

Anti-Term Limits While a majority of Americans (75%) want to see term limits for government politicians, there are some who argue such limits are arbitrary, and could prevent the best person from being elected. Opponents of term limits also champion experience is more important than a new perspective. Even worse, constant transition could stall legislation and hinder public works projects.

Pro-Term Limits Proponents of term limits argue that our government would benefit from limiting political reelection and gaining fresh perspective. Additionally, term limits would prevent politicians from building too much power and influence. Therefore, term limits would create an automatic way to prevent the consolidation of power under certain politicians.

Analysis: Is the author Pro or Anti Term Limit? Explain

Fact Checking In 2016: -the House is scheduled for 111 days, the Senate for approx. 130 days -The base salary for both Representatives and Senators is $174,000 -The Speaker of the House, Majority and Minority leaders each make more -Senators also receive multiple tax deductions and benefits -There are currently few limits on income made outside of Congress

Task Answer the following questions in complete sentences: 1)Why did the Founding Fathers support term limits on the President? 2)Do most Americans agree or disagree with term limits? 3)Briefly explain a benefit of a consecutive term limit over a lifetime term limit. 4)Do you believe we should have term limits for our Federal Legislative branch? EXPLAIN! Also, clarify if you believe it should be a consecutive term limit or lifetime term limit.