In addition, with term limits, the number of influential former members of Congress would increase dramatically. However, history has shown that inexperienced, term-limited state legislators are more likely to turn to special interests and lobbyists for information and “direction” or legislation and policy issues. Term limit advocates contend that lawmakers who do not have to worry about being reelected will not be tempted to “cave in” to pressure from special interest groups and their lobbyists, and will instead base their votes solely on the merits of the bills before them. Won’t Really Limit Corruption: From studying the experiences of state legislatures, political scientists suggest that instead of “draining the swamp,” congressional term limits could actually make corruption in the U.S. Term limits would reduce the chances for legislators to get to know each other and use those relationships to the advantage of both parties and, of course, the people. Such politically bipartisan friendships take time to develop. Trusts and friendships among members across party lines are essential to progress on controversial legislation. Getting to Know Each Other: One of the keys to being a successful legislator is working well with fellow members.Throwing Out the Baby With the Bathwater: Yes, term limits would help eliminate some of the corrupt, power-hungry and incompetent lawmakers, but it would also get rid of all the honest and effective ones.Term limits would reduce the chances of new members growing into the job and becoming better at it. New members of Congress face a steep learning curve. Lawmakers who have earned the trust of the people and proven themselves to be honest and effective leaders should not have their service cut short by term limits. Experience is Valuable: The longer you do a job, the better you get at it.The mere fact that a person has already served should not deny the voters a chance to return them to office. As evidenced by the number of incumbent lawmakers reelected in every midterm election, many Americans truly like their representative and want them to serve for as long as possible. It’s Undemocratic: Term limits would actually limit the right of the people to choose their elected representatives.While imposing term limits might not have much of an effect on the overall amount of money in politics, it would at least limit the amount of time elected officials will have to donate to fundraising. Constantly facing reelection, members of Congress feel pressured to devote more time to raising campaign funds than to serving the people.
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