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4bonhoffer

(170 posts)
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:18 AM Feb 16

Please, stop with the TERM LIMITS bs.

Just watched the IL. Senate debate. Good & questionably points on all three, all are miles ahead of any republican.

However, for God’s sake STOP going along with agreeing to f”ing term limits! We HAVE term limits. They are called elections! Term limits are corporations wet dream. Corporations have the money to fund their choice endlessly. Even if a miracle occurs and we are able to pass HR1, I don’t want to loose someone who is doing an excellent job due to term limits. If they are not doing a good job, then vote them out. Term limits are a corporation’s wet dream . Democrats, please stop giving lip service to this nonsense.

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Please, stop with the TERM LIMITS bs. (Original Post) 4bonhoffer Feb 16 OP
You are so right. Americanme Feb 16 #1
That's a good point Conjuay Feb 16 #2
Same! EuterpeThelo Feb 16 #9
re: "Agreed we should primary those who aren't effective" thesquanderer Feb 16 #54
I agree with you. Its ridiculous. Callie1979 Feb 16 #75
100% Right on! NT CommonHumanity Feb 16 #3
I think that the longer someone stays in politics, the more likely they have convictions. everyonematters Feb 16 #4
Yes, or to feather their nest, lately that's the goal Walleye Feb 16 #6
The problem is that the LACK of term limits is what allows members of Congress to gain more seniority, pnwmom Feb 16 #90
I agree 100%, besides it's unconstitutional, not that that matters anymore Walleye Feb 16 #5
How is it unconstitutional? iemanja Feb 16 #85
The Constitution sets the qualification for representatives and senators. TomSlick Feb 16 #88
Ok iemanja Feb 16 #94
I asked Google, they gave the specific Supreme Court case Walleye Feb 17 #98
Term limits who have deprived us . . Michiblue Feb 16 #7
There are just as many good reasons for term limits as there are bad ones. sop Feb 16 #8
+1 leftstreet Feb 16 #35
We need campaign finance reform MadameButterfly Feb 16 #37
Because they are two sides of the same bright, shiny coin. Maru Kitteh Feb 16 #65
i also object to the party putting thumbs on the scale to promote the leadership's MadameButterfly Feb 16 #67
I agree with that. I guess I was primarily speaking to the poster's Maru Kitteh Feb 16 #83
We have the same goal, I just think it's important to see these two issues separately MadameButterfly Feb 17 #100
This message was self-deleted by its author Maru Kitteh Feb 16 #76
Bingo. See reply at #39 harumph Feb 16 #46
How about putting the other changes in place MadameButterfly Feb 16 #68
They WHERE CALLED ELECTIONS now they are called how do we screw the voters and keep them from voting. usaf-vet Feb 16 #10
which, of course - doesn't address the subject (or point made) in the OP in the slightest ... - - -(nt)- stopdiggin Feb 16 #43
I agree PatSeg Feb 16 #11
we need real term limits..two terms and out... agingdem Feb 16 #12
Even for the House, where each term is only 2 years? ShazzieB Feb 17 #101
I've been preaching this for years. Not to mention the revolving door to lobbying would accelerate... themaguffin Feb 16 #13
Term limits are aniicemocratic. If they've been there too long vote em out. tirebiter Feb 16 #14
There are so many things that need to be reformed before we can even consider term limits ibegurpard Feb 16 #15
Preach! ybbor Feb 16 #16
The problem is gerrymandering, not term limits. Emile Feb 16 #17
I've been arguing against term limits for years. Martin Eden Feb 16 #18
Very difficult to overcome incumbent name recognition MichMan Feb 16 #81
Every citizen should recognize the name of their representative in the House and both senators Martin Eden Feb 16 #87
I believe name recognition is a significant factor for many voters MichMan Feb 16 #91
And THAT is why our representative democracy is so dysfunctional Martin Eden Feb 16 #93
Totally agree DownriverDem Feb 16 #19
I'll take it a step further Polybius Feb 16 #20
let's hold off until trump is out. We don't need to give him even more incentive to fuck things up. themaguffin Feb 16 #22
He's more unpopular than ever now though Polybius Feb 16 #23
Obama isn't going to run. Getting past this shit show is priority 1 themaguffin Feb 16 #61
at this point - cab67 Feb 16 #70
100% agree. The best argument against term limits is this question: Pototan Feb 16 #21
I like that analogy. tinrobot Feb 16 #29
No question homegirl Feb 16 #89
Yes! radical noodle Feb 16 #24
If elections define one's term . . . otchmoson Feb 16 #25
it just empowers staffers. mopinko Feb 16 #26
Yes, because it's important to have octogenerians driving our culture relayerbob Feb 16 #27
Thank you. We need to fix election financing, gerrymandering, and the electoral college. tinrobot Feb 16 #28
I would make one exception - cab67 Feb 16 #30
there is no way to remove Supreme Court justices ibegurpard Feb 16 #32
Seems like a reasonable idea. calimary Feb 17 #103
Please stop telling people what to consider/debate Mysterian Feb 16 #31
How about for SCOTUS? CaptainTruth Feb 16 #33
The voters NEVER got a choice there stopdiggin Feb 16 #52
Yes, clearly. And I still think it makes sense to have term limits for SCOTUS. CaptainTruth Feb 16 #60
I'm in favor of 8 years for SC Justices LogDog75 Feb 16 #71
Interesting. Thanks for sharing! CaptainTruth Feb 16 #80
I agree with you and add this point: Mr. Mustard 2023 Feb 16 #34
Make them fill out job applications leftstreet Feb 16 #36
What we need is campaign finance reform Beausoleil Feb 16 #38
I used to be in the no term limits camp - not anymore. harumph Feb 16 #39
except that 'term limits' doesn't really address any of the aggrievements you have with the system stopdiggin Feb 16 #49
I think we need an age limit for service Mosby Feb 16 #40
You are right. I was so impressed with our Dems in Congress during the Ghislaine Bondi hearings this past weekend Maraya1969 Feb 16 #41
I believe in term limits. Layzeebeaver Feb 16 #42
Term limits has always been the province of the low brow, bumper sticker mentality stopdiggin Feb 16 #44
Term limits don't solve a single problem. Its a populist slogan that adds zero value to anything. FascismIsDeath Feb 16 #45
I'm a believer in term limits. However, back during the Gingrich days, the repugs talked term limits until they got Wonder Why Feb 16 #47
Do you favor repeal of the 22nd amendment? n/t Shrek Feb 16 #48
Both that and the age-baiting arguments have too many flaws Torchlight Feb 16 #50
We already have term limits: the voting cycle. Get the vote out. Stop accepting your vote means nothing ... marble falls Feb 16 #51
Florida is the poster child for the corrupting influence of term limits. hay rick Feb 16 #53
B I.N.G.O. markodochartaigh Feb 16 #57
I disagree ABC123Easy Feb 16 #55
In my opinion - cab67 Feb 16 #69
You may be able to pass laws to limit partisan gerrymandering, BUT . . . markpkessinger Feb 16 #73
Agreed! ABC123Easy Feb 16 #82
It doesn't solve it for the Senate The Revolution Feb 17 #97
WHY IS NOBODY SAYING the bottom line. markodochartaigh Feb 16 #56
Example: what if Chris Murphy of Adam Schiff were ALBliberal Feb 16 #58
I am with you on this. pandr32 Feb 16 #59
Agreed, for additional reasons: Exp Feb 16 #62
Nationalization of politics, blaming those crooks off in Washington, Drain the Swamp. But not their own reps! betsuni Feb 16 #63
Completely agree! MatthewStLouis Feb 16 #64
Agree completely. Term limits are really just a limit on Democracy. It's telling voters they can't have their chosen tritsofme Feb 16 #66
I favor term limits for Executive offices and Supreme Courts LogDog75 Feb 16 #72
Sorry I still support an Amendment for term limits. Lifetime seats have gotten ridiculous. Callie1979 Feb 16 #74
Dingell family from Detroit area MichMan Feb 16 #92
Perfect example. I wasnt aware of John Sr; 93 YEARS!!?? This is exactly the problem. Callie1979 Feb 17 #99
Citizen's United is the "corporate wet dream" that term limits, well, limits Dave says Feb 16 #77
I whole heartedly agree 👍 Figarosmom Feb 16 #78
Agreed! People only want term limits when the don't like who's in office. JohnnyRingo Feb 16 #79
Why is it that people think they have a right to censors others' posts and thoughts iemanja Feb 16 #84
Censoring posts and thoughts happens every day here Shrek Feb 17 #102
Can we at least change the presidential term limit to 1 week for this presidency only? mdbl Feb 16 #86
Term limits are stupid AncientOfDays Feb 17 #95
I absolutely support term limits and age limits for government. No more geriatric politicians. Melon Feb 17 #96

EuterpeThelo

(287 posts)
9. Same!
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:56 AM
Feb 16

For every AOC, there's a Bernie. We need them both. Agreed we should primary those who aren't effective, but I for one don't WANT to throw out the most experienced people in the job just for the sake of "fresh" faces who aren't masters of the process/procedure that our more seasoned Congresscritters often are and who don't yet have the established relationships/connections to get things done. Time is an arbitrary measure; it should be a meritocracy.

thesquanderer

(12,938 posts)
54. re: "Agreed we should primary those who aren't effective"
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:48 AM
Feb 16

It would help if there weren't a party establishment with their thumbs heavily on the scale for any incumbent.

I understand why they do it... being an incumbent gives someone a natural advantage in the general. But it does complicate the OP's argument of, "We HAVE term limits. They are called elections!" That's true... but the primary elections don't occur on a level playing field.

Also, "term limits" can be implemented different ways. There's a difference between limiting a congressperson to, say, 12 years of service, vs. limiting them to 30, or 40. I'm not sure the arguments against those are entirely the same.

everyonematters

(4,067 posts)
4. I think that the longer someone stays in politics, the more likely they have convictions.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:43 AM
Feb 16

If you have term limits, you will have people running and serving for the novelty of it or to pad their resume. The big problem is the money in politics.

Walleye

(44,331 posts)
6. Yes, or to feather their nest, lately that's the goal
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:46 AM
Feb 16

The Republicans think of politics is a great little moneymaker at this point. Our government is being ruined by wealthy people who think the United States is there for their amusement

pnwmom

(110,233 posts)
90. The problem is that the LACK of term limits is what allows members of Congress to gain more seniority,
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:53 PM
Feb 16

meaning, more power, which helps them to stand up against a dictator President.

iemanja

(57,701 posts)
85. How is it unconstitutional?
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 07:06 PM
Feb 16

Did you forget that there is a constitutional amendment mandating term limits for the presidency? What part of the constitution do you think terms limits violate?

TomSlick

(12,957 posts)
88. The Constitution sets the qualification for representatives and senators.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:39 PM
Feb 16

Those qualifications do not include not having served more terms that stated in a law. States may not impose such a limit. U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton, 514 U.S. 779 (1995). The rationale should apply to federal legislation.

Like the the 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms, term limits for representatives and senators would require a constitutional amendment.

Walleye

(44,331 posts)
98. I asked Google, they gave the specific Supreme Court case
Tue Feb 17, 2026, 06:16 AM
Feb 17

“Yes, based on the 1995 Supreme Court ruling in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton, congressional term limits imposed by states are unconstitutional. The Court decided that states cannot add qualifications for federal office beyond those listed in Article I of the Constitution. A constitutional amendment is required to impose term limits.”

Michiblue

(33 posts)
7. Term limits who have deprived us . .
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:49 AM
Feb 16

. . . of the incredible leadership of Nancy Pelosi, perhaps the most effective Speaker in U.S. history

sop

(18,168 posts)
8. There are just as many good reasons for term limits as there are bad ones.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:54 AM
Feb 16

And if it were possible to pass a term limits law in Congress, and have it hold up to legal challenges in the Supreme Court, it would also be possible to pass a campaign finance law seriously limiting or even banning all corporate and dark money.

Maru Kitteh

(31,508 posts)
65. Because they are two sides of the same bright, shiny coin.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 12:53 PM
Feb 16

That coin being the power which works to preserve itself, in the guise of serving the populace. Protecting incumbents from fascist opposition should be the purpose of the party, not placing their fingers on the scale to protect incumbents from Democratic voter support for other Democratic candidates. It makes sheep of us under the charge of herders. That’s gross, and should be left to the g.o.pedos party.



MadameButterfly

(3,932 posts)
67. i also object to the party putting thumbs on the scale to promote the leadership's
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 02:45 PM
Feb 16

preferred outcome in Democratic primaries. I just don't think term limits will solve it. Incumbents aren't the only people who benefit from this. Over and over I've watched the DNC pick their candidate and MSNBC promotes them. If not incumbents, they'll pick someone else who they believe will preserve their values.
We do have to stop making it political suicide for a new candidate to challenge an incumbent or a party favorite. We should always have the best candidate possible as demonstrated by elections. The voters should decide.

Maru Kitteh

(31,508 posts)
83. I agree with that. I guess I was primarily speaking to the poster's
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 07:00 PM
Feb 16

comment on the reasons why finance reform and term limit enactment are difficult to actually realize. It’s the entrenched preservation of power, maintaining and protecting itself I think.

I myself have no special attachment to the idea of term limits IF and where a level playing field without big money and dark money exists.

MadameButterfly

(3,932 posts)
100. We have the same goal, I just think it's important to see these two issues separately
Tue Feb 17, 2026, 08:33 AM
Feb 17

The people fighting campaign finance reform are the billionaires and corporations.

The people fighting term limits are more varied. Some are incumbents wanting to stay in power. Some are people who believe that once we get rid of most incumbents, the oligarchy will have all the power. Before all these 70+ year old incumbents got elected we didn't have Citizens United. It could be rough when they go.

Some who oppose term limits are people who value the experience and expertise of people who have been in office for a while. Who want it to be worth it for the best and brightest to make a career of serving in Congress; worth the effort to fund-raise and risk losing it all the next go round for a chance at staying around long enough to have a make a difference.

Response to Maru Kitteh (Reply #65)

harumph

(3,179 posts)
46. Bingo. See reply at #39
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:28 AM
Feb 16

You're right. Term limits could work if other changes were put in place.

usaf-vet

(7,782 posts)
10. They WHERE CALLED ELECTIONS now they are called how do we screw the voters and keep them from voting.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:23 AM
Feb 16

stopdiggin

(15,276 posts)
43. which, of course - doesn't address the subject (or point made) in the OP in the slightest ... - - -(nt)-
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:03 AM
Feb 16

agingdem

(8,820 posts)
12. we need real term limits..two terms and out...
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:25 AM
Feb 16

people vote name recognition/personal biases...and once elected they want to stay in office...stature/taxpayer funded travel/free healthcare/media attention...their supposed calling to improve the lives of their constituents becomes a way of life/an obsession/a pathway to wealth...and there's no way in hell they are going to give that up...which is why twenty-four members of Congress are 80 years old and older/eight-six members are 70 years old and older..

Just so you know this isn't an ageism thing...I'm 77..I know my limitations both physically and cognitively...




ShazzieB

(22,429 posts)
101. Even for the House, where each term is only 2 years?
Tue Feb 17, 2026, 09:05 AM
Feb 17

In the Senate, 2 terms = 12 years. But in the House, 2 terms = 4 years, hardly long enough to get fully acclimated imo.

I'm not a huge fan of term limits in general, but for the House, I don't think 2 terms would be nearly enough time for people to become fully effective.

themaguffin

(5,071 posts)
13. I've been preaching this for years. Not to mention the revolving door to lobbying would accelerate...
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:27 AM
Feb 16

ibegurpard

(17,081 posts)
15. There are so many things that need to be reformed before we can even consider term limits
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:32 AM
Feb 16

Drastic limits on outside money in politics... which would require a constitutional amendment considering Citizens United.
Ranked choice voting and then additional political parties... in that order.
Those are the first few that come to mind.

ybbor

(1,733 posts)
16. Preach!
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:38 AM
Feb 16

They make no sense when elections can eliminate the bad ones. It’s like saying any profession should get rid of those after they have finally become competent at their jobs. If they suck, as in all professions, you can get rid of them.

Martin Eden

(15,505 posts)
18. I've been arguing against term limits for years.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:50 AM
Feb 16

Yes, there is a problem of corruption in which embedded politicians gain advantage over potentially better young candidate. But term limits go after a symptom rather than the root cause of corruption, which is big special interest money in our electoral and legislative system.

Term limits would discourage true public servants from seeking a career in elective office, and expel good representatives just when they're getting really good at their jobs. Without correcting the root cause of the problem, big money would finance candidates motivated by what they could get from the office, including lucrative positions upon leaving office.

Now, please excuse me for being a grammar nazi:

The word "loose" rhymes with juice. I think you meant "lose," which rhymes with booze.

This has become my pet peeve, because I see it so often. Again, I apologize.

MichMan

(16,975 posts)
81. Very difficult to overcome incumbent name recognition
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 06:26 PM
Feb 16

"Term limits would discourage true public servants from seeking a career in elective office..."

John Dingell Jr. from Michigan was in Congress 59 years from 1955-2015. By the way, he succeeded his father John Sr who served from 1933-1955. John Jr. retired in 1995 and was succeeded in office by his wife, Debbie Dingell who still hold office.

That means someone named Dingell has held the seat for 93 straight years. Not saying they didn't do a good job, but IMO we shouldn't have political dynasties lasting 9 decades.

How many other "true public servants" in that district just gave up knowing that they had zero chance of ever being elected?

Martin Eden

(15,505 posts)
87. Every citizen should recognize the name of their representative in the House and both senators
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:23 PM
Feb 16

If you don't even know their name, how are you to judge whether or not they're doing a good job representing your interests and values?

If name recognition is the only criteria by which a significant percent of voters cast their ballots, then we have a problem that goes much deeper than term limits.

Did the Dingells do a good job? If yes, why cast them out simply because constituents were familiar with them? If not, then they should be voted out.

By the way, the part of my post you quoted was not about people in office. It was about potential public servants who would like to make a career in elected office, but would choose a different career knowing they would have to start a different career after x-number of terms.

I think more harm than good would come by disqualifying an elected representative just because they've won x-number of elections. There may be a very positive reason why constituents decide to keep them in office.

There might be actual unfair advantages for incumbents, worthy of discussion. I'd bet that mostly has to do with the pernicious influence of money in politics, whilich can actually cut both ways. Another is the media environment, which is another huge can of worms.

MichMan

(16,975 posts)
91. I believe name recognition is a significant factor for many voters
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:12 PM
Feb 16

That is why there are many political dynasties spanning multiple generations. Everyone would agree that all voters should know the names of their representatives, but sadly, a significant number have little or no interest in politics, and only vote in presidential elections every 4 years. Hell, lots of people couldn't name their own senators, any SC justices or the VP if asked.

Martin Eden

(15,505 posts)
93. And THAT is why our representative democracy is so dysfunctional
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:45 PM
Feb 16

An underinformed disengaged citizenry is easier to manipulate by oligarchs who own media and finance the careers of politicians.

DownriverDem

(7,001 posts)
19. Totally agree
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:50 AM
Feb 16

We have term limits in Michigan for governor, LT governor, AG and SOS and a 12 year in office plan for other state offices. All it does is get rid of good folks.

themaguffin

(5,071 posts)
22. let's hold off until trump is out. We don't need to give him even more incentive to fuck things up.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:53 AM
Feb 16

Polybius

(21,732 posts)
23. He's more unpopular than ever now though
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:56 AM
Feb 16

Plus, imagine 82 year old Trump vs 66 year old Obama? Obama would crush him.

cab67

(3,673 posts)
70. at this point -
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 03:29 PM
Feb 16

- a colony of fire ants would stand a good chance of crushing Old Colostomy.

Pototan

(3,051 posts)
21. 100% agree. The best argument against term limits is this question:
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 09:51 AM
Feb 16

what would you rather have had, an Obama third term or a Trump first term?

homegirl

(1,953 posts)
89. No question
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 08:43 PM
Feb 16

an Obama third term. FDR died very early in his fourth term. With good reason an amendment was passed to limit the presidency to two terms. And right now who has his followers hinting at a third term? And we all know why.

And all those politicians who make it to D.C. have guaranteed pensions, health insurance and a few other benefits when they retire. I am very old and I will quote my father who said.."no on over 65 should be in Congress, they do not vote for the people because they will not have to live with the consequences of their votes."

radical noodle

(10,528 posts)
24. Yes!
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:10 AM
Feb 16

For years I thought I was "missing" something in the term limits argument. Many Democrats seemed to agree with it and I kept searching for the reason I should. I couldn't find much in the way of a benefit unless we could just term limit republicans and not Democrats. In addition to the points you mention, I've always thought experience counts for something.

There does come a time that a brain addled 90+ year old who seems to not know who he/she is or where they are should be gently sent home and replaced.

otchmoson

(312 posts)
25. If elections define one's term . . .
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:13 AM
Feb 16

then we don't need a law . . . we need to educate and get out the vote. On the other hand, unelected officials DO need term limits . . . to be determined by the electorate through their democratically elected officials. I don't believe a judgeship should be a lifetime appointment. A 35-40 year old appointee is certainly different from that person 50 years hence. Some offices (FED chairman, FBI director, etc.) should be for more than 4 years, but length to be determined by voters/congress. Just my 2-cents.

mopinko

(73,530 posts)
26. it just empowers staffers.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:18 AM
Feb 16

new congress people dont hire off the street. esp if they r replacing someone in their own party, they hire ppl already doing the job.
you’d just b shuffling the deck. period.

tinrobot

(12,034 posts)
28. Thank you. We need to fix election financing, gerrymandering, and the electoral college.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:21 AM
Feb 16

Term limits do nothing to address those issues, they only give the powers behind the scenes more power.

cab67

(3,673 posts)
30. I would make one exception -
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:24 AM
Feb 16

Supreme Court justices.

Given how much life expectancy has grown since the Constitution was written, it's too easy for stacked court to cause real damage for many decades.

I understand and accept the rationale behind institutional memory, and if we can get a good justice on the Court, I'd want that person to be there for a while. But I don't think putting an 18-year or 22-year limit on justice terms is a bad thing.

ibegurpard

(17,081 posts)
32. there is no way to remove Supreme Court justices
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:28 AM
Feb 16

unlike politicians with elections.
So yeah I would argue that in this case limits on their terms are something that should be considered.

Mysterian

(6,292 posts)
31. Please stop telling people what to consider/debate
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:25 AM
Feb 16

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

stopdiggin

(15,276 posts)
52. The voters NEVER got a choice there
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:42 AM
Feb 16

which is why they are called life time APPOINTMENTS
and a rather different thing

CaptainTruth

(8,137 posts)
60. Yes, clearly. And I still think it makes sense to have term limits for SCOTUS.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 12:02 PM
Feb 16

I've proposed 36 year terms with one justice being replaced every 4 years, first-in, first-out. That way every president gets 1 appointment per term.

Within that framework I'm sure we could work out a way to handle deaths resignations etc.

LogDog75

(1,209 posts)
71. I'm in favor of 8 years for SC Justices
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 04:12 PM
Feb 16

I'm of the belief the Supreme Court needs to have turn-over of justices on a regular basis and no justice can serve beyond age 65. My idea is as follows:

1. The current longest serving justice will be required to "retire" within 2 years and the President will nominate a replacement.
2. The next current longest serving justice will be replaced, if they've served 8 years or more, in 2 years. Continue this process until all justices serving over 8 years have retired.
3. Any current justices who have served less than 8 years will be replaced one at a time every two years. If two justices were appointed in the same year, the justice appointed first would be replaced first and two years later the other justice.
4. Once all justices have been replaced, every 2 years thereafter a justice would be replace meaning no president could appoint more than 2 justices per term unless a justice dies or retires.

This plan would prevent a Supreme Court from being to Democratic or republican leaning for years. T

CaptainTruth

(8,137 posts)
80. Interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 05:59 PM
Feb 16

It looks like that system would allow every president to appoint (nominate) 2 justices per term, yes?

In my proposal I was thinking of trying to keep the SCOTUS lineup more stable & not allow any POTUS to idealogically influence it too much, only allowing POTUS 1 nominee per term.

Honestly, given how so many SCOTUS decisions in the modern era have come down 5-4, either way, I'm inclined to try & limit POTUS to 1 nominee per term, not 2.

Mr. Mustard 2023

(359 posts)
34. I agree with you and add this point:
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:31 AM
Feb 16

Money in politics is the problem, so even if we did enact term limits they'll just bribe them faster, so to speak. Promising them cush jobs will take more emphasis, because they'll be termed out sooner.

Term limits will not help imo, as long as we can legally bribe our elected leaders, and others.

leftstreet

(39,827 posts)
36. Make them fill out job applications
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:38 AM
Feb 16

Like the rest of us

Set qualifications OTHER than birth status and age before they can even qualify to run

Beausoleil

(3,011 posts)
38. What we need is campaign finance reform
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:46 AM
Feb 16

Once unlimited money is out of the equation, term limits really becomes a moot point because the lesser funded candidates can compete and extremists do not win all the primaries (their loud chatter won't earn them as much money).

harumph

(3,179 posts)
39. I used to be in the no term limits camp - not anymore.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:46 AM
Feb 16

3 term limit for each representative
2 term limit for each senator.
If the parties cannot come up with new blood with fresh ideas after 6 or 12 years respectively, then we need a substantially amended constitution - because this "f-king" piece of paper as 'W' allegedly called it, isn't cutting the mustard. I think anyone can see that the so-called 'guardrails' are really overcooked noodles supported by toothpicks.

Up-thread - someone made a comment about Pelosi. I agree she's great. But for every Pelosi, there's a standing zombie like Mitch McConnell. Where is Mitch nowadays? Anybody remember Feinstein? Holy f**k people - that was embarrassing! Ted Cruz was elected first in 2013. Wouldn't it be great if he was just done? Chuck Grassley first took office in 1981. And there was Kay Grainger - who was found by a reporter to be in assisted living (memory care).

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/03/14/kay-granger-dementia-dc-media-00210317

Term limits would incentivize the parties not to rely on so few people and to cultivate new talent. And please - all this talk of unique talent (ooo-la-la!) that we would be missing. There are many, many talented people in this country - probably some on this board - who are educated - good thinkers - good speakers - and could learn parliamentary procedure (yes, that's what it's called even in the US).

Regarding the "constitution," IMO, the unilateral pardon power of the president needs to be replaced by limiting the chief executive to recommending pardons that are reviewed by an appointed non-partisan committee that is completely independent from the president and has guaranteed funding. Many democracies not mentally chained to 18th century norms do it that way.
No more quid pro quo.

IMO Federal elections should be funded solely by tax dollars (this amt will be capped according to inflation) and will run for a limited period - not to exceed...

Our judicial system is painfully reactive and treats every new insult to justice like it's a new g-damned question at hand - when it's the same old shit. The courts need to have meaningful (i.e., painful) sanction power. Yet, they don't - and Trump et al. continues to overwhelm the courts with meritless cack.

We have a poorly functioning democracy and probably half of the adults are functionally illiterate. That's where we are and we need to make substantive changes, not just redecorate.

I have it on the authority of a poster in another thread that the constitution will never be amended again. If I truly believed that, I'd be packing my bags.




stopdiggin

(15,276 posts)
49. except that 'term limits' doesn't really address any of the aggrievements you have with the system
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:38 AM
Feb 16

And - conversely, would very likely 'empower' the 'behind the scenes' influence of money and non-governmental actors and organization.
If you and your mates want 'new talent' - you're quite right, there's plenty of it around - you have every right to pull the lever for them - and it's not at all impossible for a newbie to prevail. (Mamdani ?) And - in almost every jurisdiction - the bar to placing that person's name on the ballot has been kept (by design) very modest and approachable. Get out there and promote your 'new ideas' and 'new faces'!

Meanwhile - let ME vote for who I want to ...

Mosby

(19,448 posts)
40. I think we need an age limit for service
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:47 AM
Feb 16

75 years old for all three branches and I would change the term to 4 years for all members of congress. Mandatory retirement for all judges at 75, including the SC.

Maraya1969

(23,478 posts)
41. You are right. I was so impressed with our Dems in Congress during the Ghislaine Bondi hearings this past weekend
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:49 AM
Feb 16

Our Dems are so smart and they get better as they age. They blow the other side away. Bondi was so shook up - it was a sight to behold!

stopdiggin

(15,276 posts)
44. Term limits has always been the province of the low brow, bumper sticker mentality
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:16 AM
Feb 16

I'd like to keep my options available to me - thank you very much.'
And - having 'others' decide what the options will be for me to vote on ... Gosh, I dunno' - sounds just a little 'bread and circus-y' and big brotherish - when you stop and give it any thought to speak of.

Wonder Why

(6,734 posts)
47. I'm a believer in term limits. However, back during the Gingrich days, the repugs talked term limits until they got
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:32 AM
Feb 16

in office, then immediately abandoned it as they realized they were limiting it themselves so they can't be trusted.

So term limits drawn up ONLY when there is a majority Democratic Senate, Congress and President.
It doesn't get voted on until the repugs win the elections but haven't taken office.
It becomes effective only when the repugs take office.
No bonuses or any other perks.
You get in office. You get paid for the duration only.
You get medical benefits only for duration.
You get COBRA for 18 months afterwards just like on the outside.
You get money in a retirement fund just like any other job only for the time you served.
You get no other perks after leaving office such as the ability to keep campaign money or any other benefit.
You can't work for a lobbying group or a government contractor or potential one for 2 years after leaving office.

Torchlight

(6,636 posts)
50. Both that and the age-baiting arguments have too many flaws
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:38 AM
Feb 16

for me to take seriously. Appeals to emotion just aren’t my cup of tea, and when the strongest arguments made are no more than bumper-sticker slogans, I can’t really call it an argument at all.

marble falls

(71,479 posts)
51. We already have term limits: the voting cycle. Get the vote out. Stop accepting your vote means nothing ...
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:40 AM
Feb 16

... it only mean nothing if you don't vote.

hay rick

(9,519 posts)
53. Florida is the poster child for the corrupting influence of term limits.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:44 AM
Feb 16

Florida politicians come up through a system in which statewide offices have 8 year term limits. The 120 Florida House members and 40 State Senators are paid around $30,000 a year- not enough to support a family. The people that are able to do this are in a position where they can take 3 months leave from their business or come from family wealth. Because these jobs do not create a professional career path, the greater incentive is to use the position and contacts to benefit themselves and those who have supported them and will continue to benefit them in the future. The incentives are perverse and grease the wheels of corruption.

If we do not offer politicians a path to developing professional excellence we will get the mediocrity and widespread corruption we claim we wish to avoid.

ABC123Easy

(189 posts)
55. I disagree
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:51 AM
Feb 16

While I do agree with your points on elections and money in politics, I'm for term limits, laws removing that money in politics you refer to, and anti gerrymandering laws.
As we've seen, we can't rely solely upon voting people out. If that were true, Lauren Boebert, MTG, Jim Jordan, etc....wouldn't keep getting elected.
I live in NC where the GOP has rigged the districts to the point where it would take near 70% of the vote going to the Dems in order for them to take control of the general assembly.
Just saying, relying on elections doesn't cut it.

cab67

(3,673 posts)
69. In my opinion -
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 03:28 PM
Feb 16

- getting rid of gerrymandering would also solve this problem.

Every seat in the House should be competitive for every election.

markpkessinger

(8,888 posts)
73. You may be able to pass laws to limit partisan gerrymandering, BUT . . .
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 04:30 PM
Feb 16

. . . yoju still have to contend with decennial redistricting. Redistricting MUST occur in order to account for shifting populations.

The Revolution

(887 posts)
97. It doesn't solve it for the Senate
Tue Feb 17, 2026, 01:34 AM
Feb 17

Which has a bigger problem with peple clinging on forever anyway.

markodochartaigh

(5,327 posts)
56. WHY IS NOBODY SAYING the bottom line.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:52 AM
Feb 16

A senator or representative takes at least a year for them and their staff to find their footing in the system. And even longer to make meaningful connections with their peers.
Lobbyists are hired because they know the system and already gave plenty of connections with big corporations and our oiligarchs.
Term limits ensure that the lobbyists will increase their power and elected representatives' power will decrease in relation. It's like putting first graders into a class of high school seniors.
If you are for term limits, you are advocating that elected representatives should have less power than lobbyists chosen by the corporations that the representatives are supposed to regulate.

ALBliberal

(3,304 posts)
58. Example: what if Chris Murphy of Adam Schiff were
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 11:57 AM
Feb 16

Term limited? I really don’t like the idea at all. I could name other great senators as well.

Exp

(865 posts)
62. Agreed, for additional reasons:
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 12:03 PM
Feb 16

1. Lobbyists will have the advantage over a constant wave of Freshmen Congress members.

2. It takes years to use the rules correctly.

3. Seniority to head committees takes years of experience.

And yes, corporate lobbyists WOULD LOVE to have new, inexperienced faces coming in every four years.

betsuni

(28,936 posts)
63. Nationalization of politics, blaming those crooks off in Washington, Drain the Swamp. But not their own reps!
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 12:20 PM
Feb 16

They want a choice to vote for their own representation when they like them. If they think about it.

Term limits is one of the phony divisions splitting Democrats into "establishment" (corrupt) or "progressive" (not corrupt). Obama talked about this fake BS division in his interview. Goals are the same, the only difference is strategy on how to reach those goals.

MatthewStLouis

(920 posts)
64. Completely agree!
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 12:31 PM
Feb 16

Some of the things we really need are more transparency and campaign finance reform. I think we could also cut the GOP's "SAVE Act" crap off at the knees with our own "Safe and Sane Act". Everyone eligible to vote, automatically registered to vote and given a free voter ID. Also longer voting periods and mail-in voting nationwide.

tritsofme

(19,862 posts)
66. Agree completely. Term limits are really just a limit on Democracy. It's telling voters they can't have their chosen
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 01:03 PM
Feb 16

candidate, because you know better than they do.

LogDog75

(1,209 posts)
72. I favor term limits for Executive offices and Supreme Courts
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 04:24 PM
Feb 16

The president, governors, and elected mayors hold executive offices which have more power than other elected offices. Because of that, I favor executive officers be limited to no more than 2 terms.

For the U. S and state Supreme Courts, I favor 8 year term limits. Similar to the executive officers, Supreme Court justices have enormous power and influence over the laws of the federal and state governments. That power should not be concentrated in the hands of one or a small group of individuals for a long period of time.

As for House of Representatives, Senators, state and local offices, I think there should be no term limits. The voters should be the ones to decide who should represent them at every election.

Callie1979

(1,242 posts)
74. Sorry I still support an Amendment for term limits. Lifetime seats have gotten ridiculous.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 04:54 PM
Feb 16

Incumbency is a huge advantage & hard to overcome.
Too many very old people looking horrible.
Every State would ratify it.

We have term limits for President.

MichMan

(16,975 posts)
92. Dingell family from Detroit area
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 10:40 PM
Feb 16

John Dingell Sr held Congressional seat from 1933-1955
John Dingell Jr then was elected from 1955-2015 when he retired
John Jr wife Debbie Dingell then was elected from 2015-2026 and still in office

93 years and still counting for the same family dynasty

Callie1979

(1,242 posts)
99. Perfect example. I wasnt aware of John Sr; 93 YEARS!!?? This is exactly the problem.
Tue Feb 17, 2026, 07:15 AM
Feb 17

And people called the Clintons a dynasty. Is there one longer than THIS example?

JohnnyRingo

(20,722 posts)
79. Agreed! People only want term limits when the don't like who's in office.
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 05:45 PM
Feb 16

Imagine showing Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Sanders the door years ago.
Worse... The idea of term limits assumes there in an inexhaustible supply of worthy candidates.
Don't make me make a list of people too stupid or corrupt be in office. Lookin' at you Louie Gohmert.

iemanja

(57,701 posts)
84. Why is it that people think they have a right to censors others' posts and thoughts
Mon Feb 16, 2026, 07:03 PM
Feb 16

You do not. You oppose term limits. Fine, you are entitled to your opinion, but you have no right to decide what others post and think.

Shrek

(4,409 posts)
102. Censoring posts and thoughts happens every day here
Tue Feb 17, 2026, 09:12 AM
Feb 17

Viewpoint discrimination is explicitly built in to the Terms of Service.

Melon

(1,273 posts)
96. I absolutely support term limits and age limits for government. No more geriatric politicians.
Tue Feb 17, 2026, 12:44 AM
Feb 17

Past 70 years old. How many issue among geriatric politicians do we have to witness before taking action?

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