▶ Topic :
Listening :
Hi, class. We are going to discuss term limits today. Putting term limits on politicians is very important. There are some notable benefits to term limits, which the article has failed to mention.
First of all, systems with term limits are fair because they encourage young politicians to run for office. Term limits provide an equal opportunity to young politicians who can be more attentive to recent changes in society. At times, once experienced politicians discover certain ways to handle issues, they become dogmatic and refuse to change their methods. However, because the world is changing so rapidly, what worked ten years ago may not work now. In this sense, having at least some young politicians can be more beneficial to society
Secondly, term limits prevent oligargchies from forming. If p이 iticians had unlimited terms, then this country would tum into an oligarchy. Perhaps nothing could be more dangerous than putting power in the hands of a few for a long period of time. Politicians can easily exploit a limitless system, enjoy their regime for a long period of time. This would establish a semi-monarchy, essentially a one-paηy system, and the governrnent would pursue the interest of only that major party to the exclusion of everyone else
Finally, term limits can ensure that everyone’s voice is heard equally. When politicians are limited as to how many terms they can serve, then rnore politicians representing women, Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans govern society. It is extremely important to have politicians from different backgrounds to ensure that various different interest groups are heard equally.
Reading :
Some states put limits on how many times a politician can run for a position. While some people find this beneficial, the regulations are actually a detriment to society for several reasons.
First of all, term limits often create political waste. It usually takes three to four years for politicians to thoroughly understand the needs of their constituencies. This is because nobody enters political office knowing what to expect on the first day of the job. However, under the current system, a politician only gets to know the lay of the land just as his or her first term is ending. Thereafter, they usually can only run for office a few more times. This means that our society will only be able to have the guidance of experienced politicians for a few years. Just when they are experienced enough to realize what they need to do, it is almost time for them to leave. How wasteful is this for both citizens and politicians? Under such a system, America’s best and brightest will be dissuaded from pursuing careers in politics.
Secondly, society will benefit from experienced p이iticians. Let’s think about Allan Greenspan, who has served on the U.S. Federal Reserve Board for more than ten years. If his term was limited to only 4 to 8 years, he would not have been able to do such a great job. Because his term was not limited, he was able to serve the Federal Reserve Board and his country for as long as he was needed. Similarly, if we let our politicians govem for an unlimited number of terms, then society can run efficiently under the leadership of political veterans. Indeed , famous politicians like the Republican Senator John McCain or the Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy would have never been able to make a meaningful contribution to the political landscape if their terms had been limited.
Finally, by eliminating term limits , less money will be wasted. Currently, a tremendous amount of money is spent on political campaigns. This is because even politicians who are unqualified and have no chance of winning choose to run for office. However, if we get rid of term lirnits, “ rookie politicians" will know that they have a slim chance of winning over veteran candidates. Fewer politicians running for office means less political campaigning, which in tum means less money spent. This means politicians can spend less time worrying about money and more time thinking about important issues. |