Testing Term Limits

Will the movement continue sweeping the country?

Introduction

In just four years, 22 states have adopted laws to limit the tenure of members of Congress. Term limits also have been adopted for state legislators in 20 of those states and for local officials in some 240 cities and counties. Advocates say term limits will restore popular control over government. Opponents warn that they will hurt Congress and other legislative bodies, but their arguments haven't swayed voters. Term limits face a critical legal test Nov. 29, when the Supreme Court hears arguments in a case testing whether the Constitution allows states to limit congressional terms. If the justices say no, term-limit supporters will seek a constitutional amendment -- and House Republicans promise an early vote on a term- limit measure in the new, GOP-controlled ...

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