[Wolfstar]

Yep, the founders had too much faith in the Congress. In their day, honor was still a living virtue and a man's word was his bond. Also in their day, travel was difficult and most Congressmen and Senators left their families back home. There was no way they could foresee powered flight and its effects. Lastly, all members in that time made their living either off the land or off their businesses, not off their Congressional income. So the founders thought it would be a rare man who would want to serve in Congress for more than a few terms. Even their genius did not foresee a day when term limits would be necessary to prevent Representatives and Senators from becoming the professional type of politician that the founders abhorred. Unfortunately, since a term limits amendment to the Constitution would have to go through Congress, we will never see term limits for Congressional offices.

[The Wizard]

I do stand corrected: Commander In Chief

[cynicom]

wolf...

At onset of the Civil War, the south used the same constitution as the north, with a few changes.

They wrote their constitution, "with term limits, congress and president". At that time, they foresaw the possibility of professional politicians, with a deathgrip on public office. Also, their thinking was the president started running for office for his second term, on the first day of his first term. To remove this burden, they limited the president to one six year term. That way they concluded, he would be more apt to work for the good of the country instead of his own re-election.

How right they were and how dumb the north was, now we are paying the bill. Lifetime politicians, what a disgrace.

[LaGrone]

Beautifully said. I agree that term limits are the only way to remove these lifelong elitists. Many bad legislative habits would be cured by limiting their time in office. Yes, some decent legislators would be sacrificed, but the chance for new innovative ideas with new blood would be exciting.

Oh for it to be so. Again nice post.

[A. Pole]

Yep, the founders had too much faith in the Congress.

It is because they were prejudiced against monarchy.