Population-Based Democracy Vs. Area-Based Democracy- (Part Five) Term Of The House Of Representatives

 

Population-Based Democracy Vs. Area-Based Democracy-(Part Five) Term Of A Member In The House Of Representatives

Since the lower house of the federal legislature is based on the Population-Based Democratic Model, the term its members serve should be less than the members of the upper house of the federal legislature. After all, a member of the lower house (House Of Representatives) is supposed to interact with their constituents more frequently and more directly than a member of the upper house (U.S. Senate).

However, the term a federal Representative serves should not be one-third the term of a U.S. Senator. Two years is too short a term for a federal lower house member to achieve the necessary objectives. Too short of a term will compel that federal house member to pander, rather than to serve, the legitimate needs of their constituents. When any branch of government does too much for the People, either individually or collectively, tyranny always is a byproduct.

A term that is too short also means campaign fundraising and campaigning take up a larger percentage of a member's time and activities. This can and will give special interests that fund campaigns disproportionate influences over the activities of the elected officeholders. 

A term that is too short will limit proper competition. Even if there are proper public platforms for candidates to express their views to their vote bank, a lesser number of properly qualified individuals will seek candidacy to an office in the federal lower house if he/she realizes they can lose that office just two years later. A shorter than needed term only strengthens the incumbency, the status quo. 

The term of a member of the House Of Representatives should be extended from two to three years. A member has to have time to settle in and try to achieve the objectives that he or she campaigned on. 

Cliff Notes Version: The term of a member of the House Of Representatives should be extended from two to three years. A member has to have time to settle in and try to achieve the objectives that he or she campaigned on.

A term that is too short gives special interests that fund campaigns disproportionate influences over the activities of the elected officeholders.