1989-1990 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest
Should Terms of Those Serving In The House of
Representatives Be Limited? Why, How or Why Not?
Teacher:
Henrico High School, Richmond, Virginia
1st Jo Anna Brown 
2nd Jennifer Berberick 3rd Sharon Petska
"However some may ask why should a person be removed or
"unseated' if he or she is proficient in all aspects of his or her work. The answer I
give is that in this country we practice the process of everyone having a chance to prove
him or herself. If we do not set limits to the terms set in the House of Representatives,
people will be forced to vote for the politician who has been re-elected time after time
because they are afraid of change or 'ruining a good thing' "
Unidentified Student, Henrico High School, Richmond, Virginia
"If the community wants a person to be elected a third or a fourth or
even a tenth time, then let it be. Don't put a restraint on what the voters want...I am of
the opinion that excluding a congressman with valuable experience is a huge waste."
Unidentified Student, Henrico High School, Richmond, Virginia
"Most older person would tend to stick with one person, usually the
incumbent, no matter what he does. The older generation are just not informed enough. They
are not open to change and therefore none will happen. Some people just don't realize what
new minds in the House of Representatives could do."
Unidentified Student, Henrico High School, Richmond, Virginia
"The powers of the incumbent still remain a problem. In order to deal
with this, the incumbent must forfeit several of his advantages or simply give an extra
advantage to his opponent. For example, the incumbent should only be allowed to have
one-half of his opponent's campaign funds."
Unidentified Student, Henrico High School, Richmond, Virginia
"The powers of the incumbent still remain a problem. In order to deal
with this, the incumbent must forfeit several of his advantages or simply give an extra
advantage to his opponent. For example, the incumbent should only be allowed to have
one-half of his opponent's campaign funds."
Unidentified Student, Henrico High School, Richmond, Virginia
"The purpose of government, and more specifically the democratic
United States government, is to let the people by way of representatives decide the needs
and laws of the country. Representatives are chosen by the people to do a service;
represent them. This service should not become a profession or a lifetime occupation. A
Representative should be honored to serve for one or two terms and then return to a
"normal" lifestyle among the grassroots of America, allowing another individual
to convey the wishes of the people and spread new thoughts and energy."
Unidentified Student, Henrico High School, Richmond, Virginia