For Whom the Bell Tolls: Term Limits and State Legislatures

Abstract

One of the trends of the 1990s is the movement to limit terms of office for public officials. The movement varies from state-to-state, but no level of government or office seems to be immune. Various proposals are aimed at city councils, statewide executive officials, or Congress. But at this point the office which appears to be most often targeted is that of the state legislator. At least forty-one states considered state legislative term limitations in 1991.¹

This chapter, in slightly different form, first appeared in the February 1992 issue of Legislative studies Quarterly.