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: Paul O. LaPlante
Mt. Greylock High School, Williamstown, Massachusetts
1st Richard Rouse 
2nd Elizabeth Chang 3rd Aaron Gallagher
"I don't think there should be any of this life term stuff because
the representative becomes like food that has been in the refrigerator too long. It spoils
and is useless to everyone. So let us just keep the refrigerator stocked with fresh, new
ideas and keep our states running smoothly."
Unidentified Student, Mt. Greylock High School, Williamstown, Massachusetts
"The rookie has an enviable quality; inexperience. A representative
returning to office for the fourth time feels that he knows what tactics or legislation
will 'work' and what won't. He has placed limits on his abilities and power to aid the
people by setting limits on the extent of his job. A new politician, ala Mr. Smith, has
room for idealism. He can take risks because the 'system' has not dulled his daring. He
can take risks because of naivete, or unfamiliarity with the ways of operation."
Unidentified Student, Mt. Greylock High School, Williamstown, Massachusetts
"Some of the representatives who are in the House for a long time are
known as conservatives. A conservative is someone who keeps the governmental ideas as they
were, not making any changes. . .the people who voted him into office often wonder why
they voted for him in the first place. After a while people wonder when there will be any
change. When there are changes that are wanted by the people, a conservative is the last
person ytou would want in office. So in the next election, to no one's surprise, a liberal
would most likely be voted in. A liberal is the type of person who wants a change in the
previous conservative ideas. As long as the people are happy with the changes he makes,
that person will be in office for awhile. A conservative is content with a good
government, while a liberal will try to make a good government into a great one."
Unidentified Student, Mt. Greylock High School, Williamstown, Massachusetts
"I don't think there should be any of this life term stuff becasue
the representative becomes like food that has been in the refrigerator too long. It spoils
and is useless to everyone. So let us just keep the refrigerator stocked with fresh, new
ideas and keep our states running smoothly."
Unidentified Student, Mt. Greylock High School, Williamstown, Massachusetts