Is The Lack Of Senate Term Limits Breeding Corrupt Leaders?

It seems like “We the People” are not in charge.

America’s governing democratic system—built by the people and for the people—is becoming increasingly corrupted by a lack of Senate term limits. 

In a democracy, power should be earned and temporary, flowing through the hands of diverse representatives who remain connected to the pulse of their constituents. 

However, during the past 50 years, Americans have seen the rise of politicians who have comfortably made the Senate chamber their new home.

Robert C. Byrd, a representative of the Democratic Party from West Virginia, is the longest serving senator in American history—serving 51 years, from 1959 through 2010.

Most recently, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate Minority Leader to date, has been in office for more than 38 years and has led the Republican party going on 17 years. 

Due to a lack of legislation that would limit representatives’ days in office, dominating Senate seats has become a trend in American politics.

 As the nineteenth century British historian Lord Acton once said, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.” A person’s perception of morality becomes diminished the longer they stay in power.  

As someone who escaped Cuba’s communist regime, where the infamous Fidel Castro ruled for more than 49 years, the repercussions that can ensue when a person is in charge longer than they should concerns me.

A colossal conflict of interest arises when Senators are faced with reelection, because securing a seat in office takes precedence versus advocating for the needs of their constituents.

Long-serving senators can also develop close ties to lobbyists and corporate entities who negotiate with politicians to vouch for their interests, compromising the integrity of the legislative process and the well-being of the American people.

Then there’s suspicions of Washington insiders pocketing campaign contributions and taxpayer money, which are only facilitated by their reelection. 

With its corroding practices, Washington is capable of corrupting even the most ethically sane lawmakers.

It is clear that confronting corruption in the Senate demands bold and transformative action, such as what Republican Senator Ted Cruz has been doing since 2017 by invoking the Senate Judiciary Committee to add term limits as a constitutional amendment. 

With a whopping 89 percent of Republicans, 76 percent of Democrats and 83 percent of Independents all supporting the constitutional amendment to impose Senate term limits, one wonders if the only group against term limits is congress itself. 

Power needs to be delegated. It serves as a means of rejuvenating the democratic spirit.

Nevertheless, critics of term limits argue that experienced lawmakers are necessary to guide the nation through complex issues. 

While experience is valuable, it does not mean politicians are infallible fountains of wisdom that hold the right answer to every issue that arises in America. 

The lack of change politicians tend to generate during their terms is enough reason for them to not monopolize a Senate seat.

With term limits in place, seasoned politicians can still contribute their knowledge and expertise by serving in other capacities or mentoring new senators.

Knowing that senators can’t remain in office indefinitely will inspire more citizens to participate actively in the political process, leading to a more informed and empowered electorate. 

Shorter terms could also encourage senators to focus on results rather than on securing re-election, prioritizing effective governance over partisan gamesmanship.

One of our nation’s architects, James Madison, implied the senate to be a small house, conscious and independent from the wider, more inclined houses of government. 

Term limits offer a pragmatic strategy to break the cycle of complacency and corruption that threatens the very core of our democracy. 

They provide a nuanced approach that incorporates various measures, from increased transparency to strengthening the enforcement of existing ethical standards, ensuring that the Senate remains a bastion of public service rather than a breeding ground for corrupt leaders. 

When did “We the People” lose power?