Article XIX

This article exists because democratic institutions function best when leadership is regularly renewed and political power does not remain concentrated in the same individuals for decades. Long periods of incumbency can reduce accountability, discourage new voices and ideas, and increase the influence of entrenched political networks. 

This article establishes eighteen-year term limits for members of Congress and Supreme Court justices while preserving the existing presidential term limits already contained in the Constitution. By ensuring regular turnover in the legislative and judicial branches, the article seeks to promote institutional renewal, strengthen democratic accountability, and keep public office connected to the people it serves.

Section 1 — Democratic Rotation and Institutional Renewal

The periodic renewal of public authority is essential to democratic self-government.

No office vested with substantial legislative, executive, or judicial authority shall be held in a manner that permits indefinite tenure or the long-term concentration of governmental power in the same individual.

The limits established by this Article shall be interpreted consistent with these principles.

Section 2 — Senate Service Limits

No individual shall serve more than eighteen (18) years as a United States Senator.

Any period of service exceeding one-half of a Senate term shall be deemed a full term for purposes of this Section.

All periods of service, whether consecutive or non-consecutive, shall count toward the maximum service permitted under this Article.

Section 3 — House of Representatives Service Limits

No individual shall serve more than eighteen (18) years as a Member of the House of Representatives.

Any period of service exceeding one-half of a House term shall be deemed a full term for purposes of this Section.

All periods of service, whether consecutive or non-consecutive, shall count toward the maximum service permitted under this Article.

Section 4 — Transition and Application

This Article shall apply to all Members of Congress serving at the time of ratification.

For purposes of calculating service under Sections 2 and 3, all prior service in the Senate or House of Representatives shall count toward the service limits established by this Article.

Any member who has already exceeded the service limits established by this Article at the time of ratification may complete the term then being served but shall thereafter be ineligible for election to that office.

Section 5 — Supreme Court Tenure

Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States shall serve a single term of eighteen (18) years.

No individual shall serve more than one term as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Upon expiration of a Justice's term, the office shall become vacant and shall be filled in the manner otherwise provided by this Constitution.

This Section supersedes Article III of the Constitution to the extent of any inconsistency.

Section 6 — Application to Sitting Justices

This Article shall apply to all Justices of the Supreme Court serving at the time of ratification.

For purposes of calculating service under Section 5, all prior service as a Justice of the Supreme Court shall count toward the eighteen-year limit established by this Article.

Any Justice who has served fewer than eighteen (18) years at the time of ratification shall continue in office until completion of eighteen (18) years of total service.

Any Justice who has served eighteen (18) years or more at the time of ratification shall vacate the office one (1) year following ratification.

Vacancies arising pursuant to this Section shall be filled in the manner otherwise provided by this Constitution.

Section 7 — Executive Terms

The limitations on presidential service established by the Twenty-Second Amendment satisfy the principles established by this Article and shall remain in force.