Political and Institutional Effects of Term Limits

MARJORIE SARBAUGH-THOMPSON is Professor of Political Science at Wayne State University, Detroit, USA. LYKE THOMPSON is the Director of the Center for Urban Studies at the College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA. CHARLES D. ELDER is Professor of Political Science at Wayne State University, Detroit, USA. JOHN STRATE is Associate Professor of Public Policy at Wayne State University, Detroit, USA. RICHARD ELLING is Professor of Public Administration at Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.

"Scholars, practioners, journalists and voters who read this important contribution to the study of state legislative term limits will have a better understanding the consequences in Michigan, California and around the country. The book examines pre and post term limits data to identify effects in the political environment, personal characteristics of legislators, and governing institutions. While focusing on Michigan, comparisons with California provide additional support for the findings regarding composition, competition, and action." - Rick Farmer, University of Akron "Term limits is one of the most hotly-debated topics in state politics today, and this book provides unexpected findings and new insights that will make compelling reading for scholars, practitioners, and anyone who cares about democracy and policymaking. This carefully-constructed, rigorous study provides an in-depth, detailed picture of the state legislature in electoral politics and governance over time, before and after term limits. The portrait is a troubling one that largely contradicts the aims of term limit reforms - weakening electoral competition, lessening democratic responsiveness, and strengthening the role of lobbyists in policymaking. Beyond the considerable contribution that this study makes to academic research on the topic, its lucid style and concrete policy recommendations should enhance its appeal to the broad audience it deserves." - Karen Mossberger, Kent State University

• SECTION I: POLITICAL IMPACTS OF TERM LIMITS Electoral Competition and Incumbency Advantages Funding Campaigns in a Term Limited House The Interest Group Connection: Money, Expertise and Support SECTION II: TERM-LIMITED REPRESENTATIVES: WHO THEY ARE AND WHERE THEY'RE GOING Who They Are: Personal Characteristics of Term Limited Representatives Legislative Careers Under Term Limits: Motives and Aspirations Home Style Under Term Limits: Responsiveness to Constituents SECTION III: TERM LIMITS AND THE MICHIGAN HOUSE AS AN INSTITUTION How Term-Limited Representatives Make Up Their Minds Winning Friends and Influencing People in a Term Limited House Conflict, Compromise and Partisanship: Committees Under Term Limits Checks and Balances: Relationships Within Government Under Term Limits Conclusions The New Term-Limited Age: Aquarius or Armageddon