1. Discuss one positive and one negative argument about Congressional incumbency.
With Congressional incumbency, it is more difficult for newer candidates to be elected into Congress. For current Congressmen, this would be an advantage, as it would allow them to reach the top committee projects over time. Congressmen who have been placed in the top committee assignments or projects will most likely include the most experienced representatives. Furthermore, experienced representatives will probably be the most efficient as they are already knowledgeable on how Congress works and they will also be acquainted with other Congressmen. Congressional incumbency, however, is not always a positive. Newer candidates find it more difficult to get elected with the incumbency rate being around 93%. As a result, newer ideas could be inhibited. Finally, since the Congressional incumbency rate is high, the amount of power given to a select group of people could lead these representatives to favor a select few or become more corrupt, although corruption is a subjective idea.
2. Discuss the effect term limits might have on Congress.
Term limits, like Congressional incumbency, has its positives and negatives. With term limits, there is always the possibility of newer ideas with a new group of people in Congress. New blood would favor different projects, entertain newer ideas and help move the nation forward. It seems in this case, however, the negatives may outweigh the positives. With term limits, the consistency and stability in Congress will be diminished. There will constantly be new representatives with little experience, which could create a chaotic environment in Congress. The constant addition of new legislators could slow down the process of the passing of laws and acts. For example, after the tragic 9/11 attacks, new acts and laws had to be put in place to ensure the nation’s safety. If new representatives were to have taken their place in Congress during such a stressful time, all the necessary acts that would have to be put in place would probably take longer to pass. Furthermore, newer representatives may not be thinking logically during a stressful time and Congress would be in turmoil. Finally, newer representatives would most likely have less experience. As a result, the administrative branch’s power could increase, as the representatives would most likely have no idea what to do. Term limits could have a major negative effect on Congress.