The U.S. Congress is riddled with career politicians who serve for decades, insulated from the realities of everyday citizens, enabling legislative gridlock and corporate obstructionism. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court, with its lifetime appointments, holds unchecked power, allowing justices to shape laws for generations without electoral accountability. Democracy cannot thrive under a system where individuals wield authority indefinitely.
Historically, societies have understood the dangers of prolonged power. The Athenian democracy relied on short tenures to prevent elites from consolidating control. Rome, despite its flaws, limited magistrates’ time in office to curb authoritarianism. The U.S. presidency was originally limited by tradition, but after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term rule, the 22nd Amendment formally capped presidents at two terms. Yet, Congress and the courts remain exempt from such safeguards, allowing figures like Strom Thurmond to serve until he was 100 and justices to remain on the bench for half a century.
Long tenure breeds detachment, complacency, and corruption. Incumbents enjoy unfair advantages—name recognition, donor networks, and legislative control—making it nearly impossible to unseat them. As John McCain admitted, “Congress is broken. The system is designed to keep incumbents in power.” Meanwhile, Supreme Court justices, appointed for life, can block reforms that the majority of Americans support, entrenching outdated policies with no recourse for voters.
The corporate capture of government thrives under a system without term limits. The longer politicians remain in office, the deeper their ties to special interests, lobbyists, and revolving-door politics. Former lawmakers seamlessly transition into corporate boardrooms, and well-connected insiders become unelected power brokers. In 2018 alone, over 60% of retiring U.S. senators and representatives became lobbyists or corporate consultants, wielding influence without accountability. A government designed for lifetime service is a government built for corruption.
Globally, the dangers of limitless rule are clear. Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Viktor Orbán have manipulated legal frameworks to extend their rule indefinitely, turning democracy into an illusion. Meanwhile, nations with strong term limits—Mexico, Kenya, and South Korea—prevent leaders from clinging to power, forcing a focus on governance rather than perpetual reelection. Studies show that term-limited legislators pursue bold reforms, freed from the need to constantly seek reelection. Term limits open space for greater political diversity, allowing more women, young leaders, and marginalized communities to enter governance.
This principle must extend beyond elected officials. Unlike presidents or legislators, justices are not accountable to voters, yet their rulings shape laws for generations. The U.S. is nearly alone in granting lifetime judicial appointments; other democracies recognize the risks. Germany’s Constitutional Court imposes a strict 12-year term limit on its justices, ensuring fresh legal perspectives and reducing ideological entrenchment.
Therefore, under Folklaw:
Elected officials shall be subject to term limits to prevent the accumulation of unchecked power. Presidents and governors shall serve a maximum of two terms. Representatives, and state legislators shall be limited to three consecutive terms.
The U.S. Supreme Court and all federal judges shall serve one non-renewable 18-year term, with staggered appointments to prevent partisan control of the courts.
Attempts to circumvent term limits through legal manipulation or office rotation shall be explicitly prohibited. Civic education programs shall reinforce the principle that public service is a temporary duty, not a lifelong career.
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