Why America Needs Constitutional Term-Limits
By Wade Holt
In the United States today, political office too often resembles a throne more than a term of service. But it was not always this way.
In the early years of our Republic, serving in Congress was understood as a civic duty — not a profession. The Founders envisioned a legislature of citizen-servants: farmers, lawyers, merchants, and tradesmen who left their private lives temporarily to represent their communities, then returned home to live under the laws they created.
Members earned six dollars a day while in session — enough to enable participation, but never enough to cultivate careerism.
Over time, that vision changed. As the government expanded following the Civil War and into the 20th century, Washington transformed into a full-time political capital. What began as civic service gradually hardened into a political career.
The Rise of the Political Class
Even towering figures of the Senate and House illustrate the danger of power without limits. Robert C. Byrd served 51 years in the Senate and 57 years in Congress. John Dingell served 59 years and 21 days in the House. Strom Thurmond remained in the Senate until age 100.
These are not merely long résumés — they are warnings. When service stretches across half a century, it ceases to be a public duty and becomes a political dynasty. Power hardens, accountability erodes, and the office begins to serve the person rather than the people.
“The Founders did not shed blood to replace monarchs with career politicians.”
Members of Congress now earn $174,000 annually, receive generous benefits, and wield influence unmatched by nearly any other profession. Longevity — not merit — has become the currency of power. The longer one remains in office, the more insulated one becomes from the citizens they represent. They forget they were sent to represent the people, not themselves.
And the truth is clear: Washington will never voluntarily limit itself. Power never surrenders power. The American people must reclaim it.
Why Article V Is Not a Risk — It’s a Responsibility
Nearly nine in ten Americans support congressional term-limits:
- 87% — Pew Research Center
- 83% — Program for Public Consultation
- 83% — U.S. Term-Limits (Jan. 2025)
Congress knows its approval ratings sit in the single digits, and that an overwhelming majority of Americans demand term limits — yet it continues to ignore those pleas. When overwhelming majorities of citizens agree across party lines, continued resistance is not principled — it is institutional self-preservation. When Congress disregards the will of 87% of the American people, it reveals just how insulated and self-serving it has become. In doing so, Congress itself becomes the strongest argument for an Article V Convention of the States.
Some critics fear an Article V convention, suggesting it could “run away.” But the Constitution prevents that:
- States control the delegates — not Congress.
- Only amendments can be proposed — not a new Constitution.
- Three-fourths (38 states) must ratify — nothing radical can pass.
If 38 states must approve it, how could tyranny possibly emerge? Those who fear the process are often those who benefit from avoiding reform.
The Founders deliberately gave the states this tool because they fully expected a time would come when Congress would refuse to restrain itself. That time is now.
This movement is not partisan — it is constitutional. It is rooted in the belief that sovereignty rests with the people and the states, not an entrenched political class.
A Republic of Citizen-Servants
The Constitution begins with three simple words: We the People — not We the Politicians.
America does not need permanent officeholders. It needs temporary stewards. It does not need a ruling class. It needs citizen-servants. And it does not need revolution — it needs constitutional restoration.
Power unused is power surrendered. We have the tools to fix Washington. We only need the courage to pick them up and use them.
With thoughtful planning, state leadership, and public resolve, we can return power to the people, restore trust in our institutions, and ensure Congress once again serves the Republic — not itself.
For more information, visit ConventionofStates.com and sign the petition urging your state lawmakers to support Article V reform. Together — as We the People — we can renew the promise of representative government and secure America’s future.
Wade Holt is a citizen-advocate for constitutional reform and accountable government.