Dr. Michael Katz is the Delaware chair for the group U.S. Term Limits, as well as a former state senator.
Delaware has always understood a simple but powerful truth: No one should hold political power indefinitely.
In 1951, Delaware stood among the early states to ratify the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms in office. At the time, the nation had just witnessed what happens when executive power stretches across decades. While Franklin D. Roosevelt was widely respected, Americans recognized that the presidency, regardless of who holds it, was never meant to be a lifetime position.
Delaware helped settle that question for good.
Now, more than 70 years later, our state faces a similar moment of responsibility, this time with Congress.
Unlike the presidency, members of Congress face no term limits at all. Some serve for 30, 40, even 50 years. Many are reelected automatically, often without serious challengers. Over time, Washington becomes less responsive to voters and more focused on protecting incumbency, fundraising networks and political seniority.
Delawareans see the consequences clearly. Trust in Congress is near historic lows. Major national issues — from debt and affordability to health care and public safety — seem permanently stuck in gridlock. Meanwhile, election cycles come and go with little real change in leadership.
This is not a partisan problem. It is a structural one.
Polls consistently show that more than 80% of Americans support congressional term limits — including strong majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents. In a time when almost nothing unites the country, that level of agreement should command attention.
Yet Congress has refused to act.
Why? Because asking career politicians to limit their own power is unrealistic. That’s exactly why the Constitution gives the states another option: Article 5.
Article 5 allows states to propose constitutional amendments when Congress will not enact a safeguard the founders intentionally included to prevent permanent political classes from forming in Washington. By passing a resolution calling for an Article 5 convention limited exclusively to congressional term limits, Delaware can once again stand on the side of accountability and balance.
This is not a radical idea. It is a constitutional one.
A Delaware resolution would be narrowly written, legally binding and restricted to one subject only: congressional term limits. It would not open the door to unrelated amendments or a wholesale rewriting of the Constitution. Any proposal would still require ratification by 38 states, an intentionally high bar ensuring broad national consensus.
Delaware’s small size has never limited its impact. From ratifying the Constitution itself to supporting presidential term limits, our state has repeatedly punched above its weight, by putting principle before politics.
Leading on congressional term limits would continue that tradition.
Delaware families understand that fresh perspectives matter in business, medicine, education and community leadership. We don’t expect CEOs, board members or nonprofit leaders to hold their positions forever. Government should be no different.
Term limits would encourage a citizens’ legislature, reduce careerism and restore a Congress that legislates rather than campaigns year-round. They would create more competitive elections, elevate new voices and refocus Washington on service instead of survival.
Just as Delaware helped ensure that no president would ever again serve for life, we now have the opportunity and the obligation to help ensure that Congress remains accountable to the people it represents.
Delaware led once when the nation needed balance restored. It’s time for the First State to lead again by passing an Article 5 resolution limited to congressional term limits only and reminding Washington that power belongs to the people, not permanent politicians.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
