Date of Award

Fall 2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Angela Kline, PhD

Committee Member

Kristen Crossney, PhD

Committee Member

Mark Davis, PhD

Abstract

In this research study an argument is made to impose term limits on Senators serving in the United States Congress. It looks to explore historical data to prove effectiveness of self-imposed limits, real time data of sitting Senators to offer a modern perspective, and examples from other imposed term limits for sitting elected officials to demonstrate their benefit to constituents. The data utilized in this study is applied through organizational theory and quantified based on results and responses from both primary and secondary sources. Historical sources are applied as well through the literature review focusing on three primary themes emerging from the data collected, while a mixed method approach was applied to information gathering. These three themes are: historical evidence, evidence in favor, and counter-evidence. The conclusion of this study found that there needs to be an increased level of responsiveness, accountability and availability to communicate with members of the Senate, which can all be achieved through the implementation of term limits. Further, this study provides evidence that an increased level of diversity across multiple demographic points will not only increase representative democracy in the Senate, but will also be achievable through term limit requirements as it will deter career politicians aiming to end their career in the federal legislature. It is therefore recommended based on the results of this analysis that term limits are applied for all members of the Senate.

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