Term Limit

When talking about term limit, a rule that caps the number of terms an elected official may serve in a specific political office. Also known as service limit, it aims to prevent power concentration and encourage fresh leadership. In practice, a term limit restricts the tenure of incumbents, requires regular turnover, and influences electoral dynamics across democracies.

Why Term Limits Matter

Political office, the specific role or position an elected official holds, such as president, governor, or legislator and constitutional amendment, a formal change to a nation's constitution that can introduce, modify, or remove term limits are tightly linked. A constitutional amendment enables term limits to be codified, while the design of a political office determines how many terms are permissible. For example, the U.S. presidency is limited to two four‑year terms after the 22nd Amendment, whereas many state legislatures set their own rules. The presence of a term limit creates a predictable election cycle, pushing parties to develop succession plans and encouraging voters to assess performance more frequently.

The concept also touches on the incumbent, the current office‑holder who may be affected by term‑limit rules. When an incumbent reaches the maximum allowed terms, they must step aside, opening the field for new candidates and potentially reshaping policy priorities. This turnover reduces the risk of entrenched interests, enhances democratic renewal, and can shift legislative agendas. Across the collection below, you’ll find stories ranging from political reforms and election outcomes to debates over extending or tightening term limits, all showing how this rule plays out in real life. Dive into the articles to see term limits in action, learn about recent constitutional amendments, and explore how incumbents and parties navigate these constraints.