Citizens of the state of Oklahoma passed 12-year term limits for their legislators in 1990 which became effective in 1992. Incumbents who have remained continuously in office since 1992 are not allowed to serve in their current offices starting in 2004. Over forty Oklahoma legislators are expected to be affected by the law this year. Oklahoma is one of sixteen states that currently have term limit rules for their state legislatures.
Arguments for Term Limits:
$ Legislators are more likely to actively work toward reform during their limited time in office.
$ Citizens have more opportunities to become politically active.
$ Power is balanced within the legislature since centers of influence based on seniority are filtered out.
$ The Oklahoma public believes in and supports term limits (Clay, 2001).
Arguments Against Term Limits:
$ Term limits are inherently anti-democratic because they limit voter options.
$ Special interests gain power by sending experienced lobbyists to influence amateur lawmakers.
$ Representatives are more reliant on unelected staff and bureaucrats.
$ Legislators do not have sufficient time in office to gain the experience necessary for effective policymaking.
In the latest OLPS survey, 73% of respondents indicate that term limits were not effective in preventing undue influence of special interests, and a 62% majority do not believe that the law would bring the Oklahoma political system closer to the ideal of deliberative democracy. However, 73% felt the elimination of limits is not politically feasible in the foreseeable future. Given the magnitude of change that will occur in the coming years, it is perhaps appropriate to investigate this issue further.
Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements:
11. “Term limits for legislators will lead to more effective policymaking in Oklahoma.”
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Undecided
9% 19% 36% 36% 0%
12. “Term limits should be revised to restrict service to 12 consecutive years in a political office (rather than 12 total years).”
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Undecided
9% 46% 17% 20% 9%
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This
survey is published for the information of the people of Oklahoma and does
not reflect any particular political viewpoint or position of individual
members, the Advisory Board, any of the members’ employers, or the
University of Central Oklahoma.