It can easily be said that over the past few years Americans’ love toward Congress (and politicians in general) has plummeted and is now perhaps at an all-time low. Many factors outside of party policy contribute to this disenchantment, some of which may include congressional pay, time spent campaigning versus actually working for constituents, big money donors (big money influence), number of vacation days, pensions and other perks, career politicians, corruption, ugly rhetoric, lack of compromise, etc. The list goes on.
One thing is clear from a recent VeraQuest poll among 1,509 adults – Americans (Republicans and Democrats alike) would prefer term limits for elected positions within the federal government. The vast majority prefer a limit on the number of terms that a person can serve in the position of U.S. President (84%). And about three-quarters feel that there should be a limit on the number of terms members of the House of Representatives (74%) and Senate (74%) can serve. In terms of what those term limits should be, as you’d expect, opinions are wide-ranging and without real consensus, especially for members of Congress.
For the position of President, the current maximum of two 4-year terms is preferred by the most Americans (36%), followed by four 4-year terms (15%).
For members of the U.S. House of Representatives, only 5% prefer the current unlimited number of 2-year terms. Instead, more Americans would rather see a set maximum of two 4-year terms (16%), four 2-year terms (13%), or four 4-year terms (12%), among other scenarios.
For U.S. Senators, only 3% prefer the current unlimited number of 6-year terms. Instead, more Americans would rather see a set maximum of two 4-year terms (15%), four 4-year terms (12%), or two 6-year terms (11%), among other options.
Once appointed, U.S. Supreme Court justices serve until retirement, resignation, or death. But only one-quarter (25%) of Americans feel this should be the case. Just over three-in-five (61%) feel that there should be a limit to the amount of time U.S. Supreme Court justices can serve in this role. The preferred term limits are wide-ranging here too, with the greatest number of Americans preferring a maximum of two 4-year terms (11%) or four 4-year terms (9%).
In terms of what type of career experience our President/VP should have, in order to best serve our country… just over half of Americans (52%) feel he or she should have a mix of political and non-political career experience. Almost one-third (32%) feel the President/VP should have very strong political sector experience (i.e., career politicians), while 16% feel no previous political experience would be best. Republicans and Democrats have the same overall feeling on this matter, though Republicans do have greater preference for seeing non-politicians in the President/VP role (17%, versus 12% of Democrats).
As for desired career experience for members of Congress, over half of Americans (58%) feel he or she should have a mix of political and non-political career experience. Then it’s more evenly-split between those who feel career politicians would best serve our country in this role (23%) and those who feel that a career completely outside of politics would be best (20%). Republicans have greater preference for seeing non-politicians in Congress (24%), compared to Democrats (15%).
To what extent do you consider political vs. non-political backgrounds when placing your vote in elections? Do you feel that shorter or longer term limits are more effective in higher government positions?
Sherry Nicholson says
June 2, 2015 at 1:54 pmIf there were term limits, as there is with the President, Congress would not be as beholden to large contributors because they wouldn’t have to constantly be seeking funds to run repeatedly for office. The turnover of Congress members would also ensure that fresh ideas from constituents, not ideology from billionaires, would become the norm instead of a rarity.
Peter says
June 2, 2015 at 2:54 pmSherry,
Thanks for your comment. I vacillate between wanting term limits and not wanting them, particularly short ones. I like the idea of fresh ideas, but loath the idea of leaders continually learning on the job. I am equally torn between protecting our safety by allowing the NSA to collect bulk information versus protecting our right to privacy. Where do you net out on that topic?
Ron Majors says
June 2, 2015 at 2:40 pmAs Frank White use to say at the ended of his show, “Don’t re-elect nobody. Not even you rown Momma!!”
Peter says
June 2, 2015 at 2:55 pmI think my momma was appointed? 🙂
Martin says
June 2, 2015 at 3:24 pmThe Founding Fathers never intended our politics to be a career path. It was out of a sense of civic duty and honor that they served the public.
Those who crafted our Republic spent months/years away from their homes, families and professional practices. They sacrificed in ways that would be absolutely anathema to the Legislative Branch today.
I am in favor of strict term limits as well as broad reforms for any lobbying activities post-office. I would propose that any individual who has held office be prohibited from any lobbying activity or affiliation with K-Street for the rest of their natural born lives. Any infraction would be a federal crime that would have severe penalties including both incarceration and fines.
Congress has lost their way. They have abdicated their fiduciary duty to the electorate. Sad…but true.