What is a term limit?
Q: What is a term limit?
A: A term limit is a law that limits the number of terms an officeholder may serve in a particular elected office.
Q: What is the purpose of term limits?
A: The purpose of term limits is to protect a democracy from becoming a de facto dictatorship by reducing the potential for monopoly.
Q: How do term limits act as a method to reduce the potential for monopoly?
A: When term limits are found in presidential systems, they act as a method to reduce the potential for monopoly by preventing a leader from becoming a "president for life".
Q: Are there different types of term limits?
A: Yes, sometimes there is an absolute limit on the number of terms an officeholder can serve, while in other cases the restrictions are merely on the number of consecutive (one directly following the other) terms.
Q: Why are term limits important for a democracy?
A: Term limits are important for a democracy because they prevent an officeholder from holding onto power for too long, which could lead to a power imbalance and a lack of accountability.
Q: What is the problem with an officeholder becoming a "president for life"?
A: The problem with an officeholder becoming a "president for life" is that it can lead to a lack of accountability and an erosion of democratic norms.
Q: What are some potential benefits of term limits?
A: Some potential benefits of term limits include increased turnover in elected office, the promotion of fresh ideas and perspectives, and a reduction in corruption and abuses of power.
