Term limit

A term limit is a legal restriction that limits the number of terms an officeholder may serve in a particular elected office. When term limits are found in presidential and semi-presidential systems they act as a method to curb the potential for monopoly, where a leader effectively becomes "president for life". Sometimes, there is an absolute limit on the number of terms an officeholder can serve, while, in other cases, the restrictions are merely on the number of consecutive terms.

Use of term limits

Ancient history

Term limits have a long history. Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, two early civilizations which had elected offices, both imposed limits on some positions.

In ancient Athenian democracy, only offices selected by sortition were subjects to terms limits (one term of one year for each office, except members of the council of 500 (boule), where it was possible to serve two one-year terms, non-consecutively). Elected offices were all subject to possible re-election, although they were minoritarian, these positions were more prestigious and those requiring the most experience, such as military generals and the superintendent of springs.

Term Limits (novel)

Term Limits is the first Political Thriller by Vince Flynn.

Plot introduction

Three of Washington's most powerful politicians are executed. The assassins demand that the American government set aside partisan politics and restore power to the people, specifically a balanced budget amendment and term limits for all of Congress. Michael O'Rourke, a U.S. Marine turned Congressman finds out who they are and why they do it.

Characters in "Term Limits"

President Jim Stevens - President of the United States
Stu Garret - White House Chief of Staff
Congressman Michael O'Rourke - Freshman Congressman from Minnesota and Marine
Mike Nance - National Security Advisor
Brian Roach - Director of the FBI
Skip McMahon - Special Agent in charge of the Investigation of the assassinations
Dr. Irene Kennedy - CIA Terrorism Expert
Thomas Stansfield - Director of the CIA
Arthur Higgins - Retired CIA Director of Black Ops
Scott Coleman - Former Navy SEAL, assassin team leader

Publication history