Planning Legislative Careers Under Term Limits

Abstract

This research note examines the hypothesis that the impact of state legislative term limits on legislators' career planning varies by political context. A comparison of the career planning of legislative candidates from Michigan, a state with relatively restrictive term limits and a high degree of legislative professionalism, with candidates from Oklahoma, a state with less restrictive term limits and somewhat less professionalism, support this view. In addition, the data reveal substantial differences between supporters and opponents of term limits with respect to institutional loyalty and zdesiredcareer patterns.

Testing the limit : term limits and their unintended consequences

“…1. Term limits would decrease career ambitions among legislators (Bowser et al 2003;Farmer, Jr. and Green 2003;Moncrief et al 1996;Penning 1996).…”

“…This led to misleading and inconsistent conclusions. Some argued term limits would discourage legislative careers, while others said there would be no effect (See Penning 1996). Moreover, examinations were usually limited to one state or even one legislative session.…”