What on earth is H.J.Res.5

Good question, because until just a few minutes ago, I thought this was a just a bunch of random letters and numbers. But no such luck, guys. H.J.Res.5 is a bill currently circulating in the House of Representatives. The full bill is relatively short and reads as follows:


HJ 5 IH

111th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. J. RES. 5

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second article of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as President.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 6, 2009

Mr. SERRANO introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second article of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as President.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

‘Article--

‘The twenty-second article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.’.



But what does this mean?

Okay, for the most part, this bill is self-explanatory. However, I'll take the time to sum it up for you.

The 22nd Ammendment to the Constitution stipulates that no single person can hold the office of President for more than two full terms. One full term is approximately four years. A Vice President who takes the office of President during his term as Vice President, may run for President and hold the office for two full terms under his own Presidency.

Repealing the 22nd Ammendment would mean that a single person could, theoretically, hold the office of President for as many terms as the American public would elect him/her for.

So what's the big deal?

The issue here is that some people are worried that this would allow an unfavorable person to be President for a much longer time, and be able to make more changes.

Of course, the other side of this would be that the American people would never elect someone who isn't satisfactory.

At the same time of course, the two term limit allows new blood, fresh ideas, and the opportunity for the other party to gain power. It also prevents the American people from voting for the same President over and over again, just because he's familiar. This particular pattern happens often in local governments, and is only slightly dammaging to local economies. However, on a national scale, this practice could have serious and negative consequences.

How likely is it that this bill will be passed?

Very unlikely. The bill would have to win both in the House and in the Senate. After that, it would have to be signed into law by the President, and the United States Supreme Court would have to declare it consitutional. So for this bill to become law, it would take a lot of work, and a lot of support, which it doesn't have as of now.

What do you think about this bill? Do you support it, or do you oppose it? Post your opinion, and let the world know what you think. View my opinion at AmeriKad.

Kaydee