In a recent gathering at the Lenox Club, a group of concerned citizens discussed the implications of age and term limits in American political life, focusing on the three branches of the federal government. Participants agreed that many members of Congress remain in office for too long, often becoming disconnected from the constituents they serve. They argued that term limits could help reduce corporate influence, prevent corruption, and make representatives more accountable to voters. The group proposed three, six-year terms for senators and nine, two-year terms for representatives.
Regarding the Supreme Court, participants cited the Brennan Center for Justice’s endorsement of term limits for justices to ensure they stay in line with evolving public values, as many countries already impose limits on judges. While most participants did not support age limits for public office, they did express support for President Biden’s 18-year term limits, with the belief that experience and wisdom can come with age.
The group was divided on whether to impose age limits for the presidency, with concerns about limiting voter choice and the potential for a self-correcting process in elections. Overall, participants commended the civil and productive discussion of contentious issues, highlighting the importance of hearing diverse perspectives from fellow citizens. The group acknowledged that any changes to term or age limits would require amendments to the Constitution, making such reforms unlikely.
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