2.4 | Executive Term Limits

Term limit

A restriction on the number of terms an individual can serve in a particular office.

Purpose: Restrict or check executive authority

• MISCONCEPTION ALERT: Only democratic regimes have term limits

  • False: Democratic and authoritarian regimes have term limits for executives 

Check

A restriction or control that prevents excessive power or authority.

Term of office

The duration or length of time an individual is allowed to serve in a particular office.

Sexenio

A term of office that lasts six years, specifically used for the presidency in Mexico.

Advantages of executive term limits

• Check executive power and prevent consolidation of power

• Focus on governing

• New government and leadership

  • New ideas and how to implement them

  • New policies

• Prevent civil unrest

  • RELEASE VALVE

Disadvantages of executive term limits

• Effective executives have to leave (Popular, Charismatic)

• Not enough time to reach policy goals

• No policy continuity

• Rushed legislation

• Weakens accountability

• Creates a lame-duck period for office holder on last term

Purpose of term limits

To restrict executive authority and ensure that leaders cannot serve indefinitely.

Misconception about term limits

The belief that only democratic regimes have term limits; both democratic and authoritarian regimes can impose them.

Fixed-Term Parliaments Act 2011

Legislation in the UK that established fixed intervals between general elections; it is being considered for repeal.

Impact of Xi Jinping's removal of term limits

Allows him to remain in power indefinitely, significantly altering the leadership stability in China.

Effective suffrage, no re-election

The slogan from post-revolution Mexico emphasizing the importance of not allowing re-election to promote democracy.

Lame-duck period

A time when an officeholder is still in office but has lost significant influence or power, usually the last term.

Cults of personality

A political system where a leader is presented as an almost divine figure, often leading to authoritarianism.