Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Political Science
First Advisor
David A. Smeltzer
Term of Graduation
Summer 1998
Date of Publication
1998
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Political Science
Department
Political Science
Language
English
Subjects
United States Congress -- Term of office, Term limits (Public office) -- United States
DOI
10.15760/etd.8080
Physical Description
1 online resource (vii, 145 pages)
Abstract
This paper looks closely at the debate on congressional term limits. The objective of this paper is to examine critically the fundamental arguments made in support of term limits. Analysis of pro-term limits literature pinpoints incumbent behavior as the driving force behind term limits reform. In particular, supporters argue that legislators have become increasingly career-oriented over the past fifty years, allocating for themselves a myriad of perks of office ( e.g., large staff, free mailing, and unlimited travel budgets) to achieve their reelection goals. In addition, incumbents are cited for focusing on the wishes of their constituencies instead of on the country's needs, creating critical problems in the operation of Congress and rendering congressional elections effectively uncontestable. The framework of representation developed by the Framers is analyzed. This provides a basis for discussion to determine if legislators are too responsive to parochial interests at the expense of the national interest--as is contended by proponents. The nature of policy paralysis is reviewed to determine if it is the result of incumbents' reelection behavior or is endemic to the Framers' system of representation. We suggest the latter is a more probable explanation. This work will examine the charges that incumbents have prospered from generous perks of office and constituency service. Findings will show that while perquisites of office have grown sharply over the past fifty years, House incumbent reelection rates have remained fairly static. Likewise, in the Senate, no discernible pattern has emerged to show that its members have profited from the benefits of office. An alternative perspective on turnover will also be offered, indicating that turnover already occurs to a meaningful degree. In conclusion, evidence has not supported proponents' beliefs about policy paralysis, incumbent behavior, and the nature of turnover. For this reason, questions are raised about the legitimacy of term limits as a reform movement.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/39105
Recommended Citation
Cadero-Smith, Paul William, "An Analysis of the Principal Arguments in Support of a Congressional Term Limit" (1998). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 6219.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.8080
Comments
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