Dr. Michael Katz is the Delaware chair for the group U.S. Term Limits, as well as a former state senator.
Feb. 27 marks National Term Limits Day, the 75th anniversary of the ratification of the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which limited presidents to two terms. It was a defining moment in American self-government, one that reaffirmed a simple but powerful principle: No one is entitled to hold power indefinitely.
Seventy-five years later, that principle remains unfinished business.
While presidents are limited to eight years in office, members of Congress can remain in Washington for decades — even for life. This imbalance has fueled public distrust, hardened partisanship and created a permanent political class increasingly disconnected from the citizens it serves. If National Term Limits Day is to be more than a symbolic date on the calendar, it must be a call to action. And Delaware should lead that action.
The framers of the Constitution never intended public office to become a lifelong career. They envisioned citizen-legislators, who would serve for a time, return home and live under the laws they helped create. That vision erodes when power becomes entrenched and accountability fades.
The 22nd Amendment itself grew out of bipartisan concern that unlimited tenure — even in the presidency — posed risks to liberty. After Franklin Roosevelt’s four elections, leaders across the political spectrum concluded that elections alone were not sufficient safeguards. Delaware joined other states in ratifying the amendment, recognizing that structural limits protect democracy regardless of who holds office.
That same logic applies to Congress today — perhaps even more urgently.
Support for congressional term limits is not partisan. Poll after poll show that nearly 80% of Americans — including majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents — support term limits for members of Congress. Yet Congress has repeatedly refused to act. Why? Because those who benefit most from the current system are the ones empowered to change it.
Washington will not reform itself. That is why the Constitution gives states a critical role.
Article 5 of the Constitution provides a lawful, orderly process for states to propose amendments when Congress will not. Through an Article 5 convention, states can advance a constitutional amendment — in this case, one limited solely to congressional term limits — and return it to the states for ratification.
This is not radical. It is constitutional. It is prudent. And it is necessary.
Delaware has long punched above its weight in American governance. As the First State, we take pride in our constitutional heritage and our willingness to lead. Today, leadership means acknowledging that the concentration of power in Washington is harming representative government — and that states must once again act as guardians of the republic.
Passing a resolution calling for an Article 5 convention limited exclusively to congressional term limits would send a clear message: Delaware believes that accountability matters more than incumbency, and citizen representation matters more than political longevity.
Critics often claim that elections alone are enough to keep officials in check. But the same argument was made against the 22nd Amendment 75 years ago — and it was wrong then, just as it is wrong now. Incumbency advantages, massive fundraising networks and gerrymandered districts make genuine competition increasingly rare. Term limits restore the balance by ensuring regular turnover and fresh perspectives.
Others warn of unintended consequences. But the real consequences are already visible: legislative paralysis, declining public trust and a Congress more responsive to insiders than to constituents.
National Term Limits Day should not simply commemorate a past victory for accountability. It should inspire the next one.
Delaware lawmakers have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to make this anniversary meaningful. By passing an Article 5 resolution limited to congressional term limits, Delaware can help finish the job that began 75 years ago and reaffirm a timeless American truth: In a republic, power belongs to the people, not the politicians.
Let Feb. 27 be more than a date. Let it be the moment Delaware once again leads the nation toward a more accountable, responsive government.
And Happy Term Limits Day!
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
