Terrell Williams is the Delaware co-chair of U.S. Term Limits.
Delaware has always held a special place in American history. As the initial state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on Dec. 7, 1787, Delaware earned the proud title of the “First State.” Our state’s leaders recognized the importance of creating a government that would serve the people, rather than itself. They understood that political power must remain accountable to citizens.
More than two centuries later, Americans are increasingly questioning whether Congress still reflects those principles.
Congress was never intended to be a permanent career destination. Yet, today, too many members spend decades in office, accumulating power, influence and seniority, while becoming increasingly insulated from the people they represent. The result is a legislative body in which entrenched incumbents often stand in the way of new ideas, meaningful reforms and innovative policy solutions.
This is not a partisan problem. It is a structural one.
Whether the issue is federal spending, immigration, healthcare, housing affordability, energy policy or government accountability, Americans routinely watch Congress struggle to address pressing challenges. Public confidence in Congress remains consistently low, and voters across the political spectrum express frustration with a system that seems incapable of responding to changing realities.
One reason is simple: Longevity often breeds complacency.
Members who spend decades in Washington naturally become invested in preserving the institutions, relationships and power structures that helped them remain there. Committee chair posts, leadership positions, fundraising networks and special interest relationships create incentives to maintain the status quo, rather than pursue bold reforms. Even when fresh ideas emerge, they often encounter resistance from those whose influence depends on existing arrangements.
Innovation thrives when new perspectives are welcomed. Unfortunately, Congress has increasingly become a place where seniority outweighs fresh thinking.
Many of America’s most successful organizations understand the value of leadership renewal. Businesses regularly bring in new leaders with new ideas. Nonprofit boards often impose term limits to encourage fresh perspectives. Even the presidency is limited to two terms because Americans recognize the dangers of concentrating power indefinitely in one office.
Yet the individuals who write our nation’s laws can remain in office for 30, 40 or even 50 years.
The consequences are visible. Congressional leadership positions are frequently occupied by individuals who entered office decades ago. Important reforms are delayed year after year, while Washington becomes increasingly disconnected from the concerns of younger generations, working families and small-business owners.
Congressional term limits would not solve every problem in Washington. No reform can accomplish that. But term limits would restore what has been lost: regular opportunities for citizen legislators to serve, contribute fresh ideas and return home.
Term limits would reduce the advantages of incumbency that make many congressional races effectively noncompetitive. They would encourage lawmakers to focus on governing, rather than perpetually campaigning for reelection. They would make Congress more responsive to the people, rather than to the long-term interests of career politicians.
Most importantly, term limits would ensure that no individual can accumulate decades of political power simply because the system favors those already in office.
The good news is that Americans overwhelmingly support congressional term limits. Poll after poll show support exceeding 80% among Republicans, Democrats and independents alike. Few issues generate such broad agreement in today’s polarized political environment.
The challenge is that Congress has little incentive to limit its own power.
That is why the Founders wisely included Article 5 in the Constitution. Article 5 provides states a mechanism to propose constitutional amendments when Congress refuses to act. It serves as a constitutional check on federal inaction and was designed specifically for situations in which Washington becomes unwilling to address a problem that concerns the American people.
Several states have already passed resolutions calling for an Article 5 convention limited solely to proposing congressional term limits. These resolutions do not create a “runaway convention.” They are narrowly focused on a single subject: congressional term limits. Any amendment proposed would still require ratification by 38 states before becoming part of the Constitution.
Delaware now has an opportunity to once again demonstrate leadership.
As the First State, Delaware helped launch the constitutional system that has guided our nation for nearly 240 years. Today, our legislators can honor that legacy by passing a resolution calling for an Article 5 convention limited exclusively to congressional term limits.
Doing so would send a powerful message that Delaware remains committed to accountable government, citizen representation and the principle that public office is a public trust — not a lifetime entitlement.
The Founders understood that no republic can thrive when power becomes too concentrated for too long. Delaware’s leaders recognized that truth in 1787. It is time for Delaware’s leaders to recognize it again.
As the first state to ratify the Constitution, Delaware helped begin the American experiment in self-government. By supporting an Article 5 convention for congressional term limits, Delaware can once again lead the nation toward a stronger, more responsive and more accountable Congress.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
