congressional elections should be held once in 4 years .. here is why

[srican69]

Last edited Wed Oct 9, 2013, 12:55 PM - Edit history (1)

Pros

1) Most congressmen/women get reelected anyway
2) It saves the government money
3) You can always do a recall if you aren't happy ---- :On update - this is not true ... no recalls
4) It will coincide with Presidential elections and thus will have greater participation ( good for democracy)
5) This is a stretch - but hopefully there will be more compromise particularly in years 2&3 of the term



Cons

1) less responsive to constituents ( which they are anyway)
2) recalls are painfull ( this doesnt apply either as there are no recalls)

[Blue_Tires]

1. I'd just as soon rather see term limits

[srican69]

4. i'd not .. institutional memory has its advantages ...

if you have a 2 term limit - the place will run by aides/lobbyists who aren't accountable to anyone

[Blue_Tires]

7. I see nothing wrong with say

three terms for the senate (18 years)
five terms for the house (10 years)

Those are long enough for *anyone*...Besides, any hardcore ratfink scumbag career politician who is really motivated will just move to a new district or state when his limit is reached...

[Swede Atlanta]

12. The Founders expected to have "farmer" representatives....

who would serve a term or two in the House and maybe a term in the Senate and then return to their normal lives.

We have career politicians....

We passed an Amendment to limit Presidents to no more than 2 4-year terms. I don't see why we don't say max 8 years in the House and 12 years in the Senate.

This would eliminate these cretins from looking only to the next election. They might actually think about what is either good for the country or for their "long-term" legacies.

[jeff47]

14. And I believe the opposite

I believe we should get rid of the Presidential term limit. If the current President wants to run again, and the public wants them in office, why should we ban that?

Congress has term limits. They're called elections. The fact that most voters (who bother to show up) are satisfied with their Congressperson doesn't mean we need term limits.

[treestar]

19. But it would knock out a lot of good people, too

Like Ted Kennedy or Joe Biden. And their long term knowledge is useful. The Founders wouldn't have realized how much of a full time job it could be, too.

And in their day, they had to be away from family for long periods to do it, so they were motivated to avoid serving too long.

[awoke_in_2003]

9. Lobbyist already run it...

They write almost all legislation. The votes are just a dog and pony show.

[srican69]

18. agreed ...

[Xipe Totec]

2. What is the problem to which this change is a solution?

[srican69]

5. if 2010 were a presidential election year - we wouldn't having this crap.

[Xipe Totec]

21. I think I understand - Tie congressional elections to presidential cycle?

What would you do about senatorial elections which occur every six years, staggered by two years?

You would still have senatorial elections in mid presidential terms.

I think the system is geared to make changes in government more gradual. I think there was a lot of thought put into this 2,4,6 year formula.

I like it the way it is, despite the annoyance it causes from time to time.

I think the problem lies elsewhere; with campaign financing.

[brooklynite]

3. Sorry - no recall

Not allowed by the Constitution.

[Rod Beauvex]

6. Mandatory voting.

Mandatory voting. Many of the real democracies have this.

You can vote Republican, Democratic, Independent, Other, or none of the Above, but you have to vote. This would go a long way towards fixing the problem.

[jeff47]

13. +a billion (nt)

[Pretzel_Warrior]

15. That is bullshit. Requiring someone to fill out a ballot

Is not a democracy.

[srican69]

20. If Jury is Mandatory - then why not voting.

Voting is Mandatory in Australia - its worked out ok for them.

just sayin

[unblock]

8. if the house (2 years) and senate (6 years) are both dysfunctional, why would 4 years work?

this is just a change that wouldn't solve anything.

[srican69]

16. force everything to 4 years ....

that along with presidential elections will result in a big turnout ..and large turnout has always favored democrats

[global1]

10. In The Current 2 Year Term Those Elected Begin Running For Re-election....

the minute they take office. They spend a great deal of their time campaigning and raising re-election money versus doing their job.
Ever wonder why they have so much time off?

[jeff47]

11. #3 is false.

Constitution does not allow recall of Federal office holders.

[treestar]

17. Interesting idea

It's a good one. People might pay more attention as the election as a big deal like it is every four years. The off years, people think they can just ignore, and it's when their closest-to-them federal representatives are elected.

Also put Senators back to four years. Though maybe their off-year elections might get more attention.

[Blaukraut]

22. Good idea. All terms should be 4 years, and elections held at the same time as pres. election n/t