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Old 05-23-2007, 09:37 AM   #24
Bobblehead
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A few things I really don't like about the idea of fixed term limits.

1) What if the person is really good? It is a shame that they lose their position due to some arbitrary time limit limit prescribed at some time in the past.

2) Lack of accountability. The person isn't going to need to be confronted by the electorate. Outside of their own party rebellion (or in the US, impeachment) there isn't much that can be done to hold a person accountable. (aside: If you are for an elected Senate because of accountability issues, I'm not sure how you can then turn around and justify fixed limits.)

3) Lame duck policies. The policies implimented can be dumped as soon as they are gone from office.

There are some things appealing about fixed terms - there have been a few leaders at both the Federal level and the provincial level who just stayed too long and their final terms suffered for it.

But is that really the fault of the political system, or the electorate's perceived lack of a viable replacement?
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