Yep, 12 years max. For example, if I, NCC-1701, were to run for political office, I would go in KNOWING that, should I win, the 12 year countdown clock would begin. I could run six times for a house seat or two times for the senate. Or any combination that maxes out at 12 years. After that time, I could NO LONGER run again. Not lay off for a cycle or two the run again. My time would be up. No more elections to those two offices. Is that clear enough?
That is exactly what I have in mind. 12 years should be more than enough time to influence the direction of the country. But hopefully not enough time to build a money sucking network.