If the Union never recognized southern secession, then wouldn't the southern states' representation, as defined by the Constitution, still exist? If I was a Democrat or Confederate at the time, I would have argued that those seats and electoral votes must have still legally existed, and thus I would have tried to find a way to claim them. How did the US government legally justify keeping those seats and votes vacant? Is there any evidence of this issue being brought up by either side?
I posted it yesterday and now it is gone. I hardly even use Facebook but it seems they are even worse than Reddit when it comes to censorship.
The United States needs to set term limits on the basis of age for Congress and the President.
70+ year olds are frequently regarded as unemployable due to mental decline and disconnect with the current times, but a high number of them are serving as politicians in the United States. The oldest sitting Senator, Senator Feinstein is 88 and has served since 1992. Over twenty members of the Senate are in their 70s. President Biden is 78 years old, and his health and mental prowess are the subject of continuous scrutiny. The most extreme example, Senator Thurmond, served for just short of 50 years until he passed away at 100. Currently, the average age of House members is ~58 years old and that of the Senate is ~63 years old. Contrast this with the average age of the American citizen, ~38 years old.
All too often members of Congress demonstrate their age and disconnect with the times when they must talk about social media, tech, the internet, etc. with tech giants during hearings on the Hill.
Term limits would prevent leaders from turning holding office into a career, spending upwards of 30-40 years serving in office and hanging on until they can barely function in an official capacity. Term limits would bring new and fresh perspectives into Congress. Limiting time in office would also hinder the development of permanent relationships among politicians and interest groups/lobbyists. Yes, they would still occur, but they would come to an end once the official’s term expired.
I recognize the increased turnover would lead to a larger number of politicians who are not as familiar with the legislative process as someone who has been in the office for over a decade. But wouldn’t this also provide a motivation to train their successors and offer apprenticeship/mentorship opportunities like that seen in other communities?
We have minimum age requirements for someone to serve in the House, Senate, or presidency, so why shouldn’t we create a maximum? Mandatory retirement was ended for most professions with exceptions, such as the military, pilots, and law enforcement. But does representing the U.S. as a politician require less mental prowess than flying a plane?
Any change would require a constitutional amendment, which I never see happening.
###H.Res.3
##A Resolution Authorizing and Appointing Managers of the House of Representatives for the Trial of Donald John Trump, President of the United States
Resolved, The House of Representatives hereby appoints the following individuals to serve as impeachment managers on behalf of the House of Representatives’ exhibition of the article of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States: Rep. u/Gryph25, Rep. u/JohnGRobertsJr., Mr. u/Darthholo, and Mr. u/KellinQuinn__
Resolved, The House of Representatives hereby appoints Mr. u/KellinQuinn__ to serve as lead manager of the house managers in their exhibition of the article of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States.
Resolved, The House designates the above managers to communicate to the Secretary of the Senate that these following appointments have been made. Further, so the managers may, in connection to the preparation and conduct of the trial, exhibit the articles of impeachment to the Senate and take all other actions necessary, which may include the following:
Employing any legal, clerical, and any assistants the managers may require. To be paid from the applicable accounts of the Committee on Social Concerns and the Judiciary. Sending for individuals, papers, and any communications or filings with the Secretary of the Senate, on the part of the House of Representatives, in any connection to the exhibition of the articles of impeachment that the managers consider necessary.
This Resolution was written by u/KellinQuinn__ (D-WS)
This Resolution was sponsored by Speaker of the House u/Brihimia (D-US)
This Resolution was Co-Sponsored by Rep. u/Trans_Reagan (D-GA-1), House Majority Leader. u/ItsZippy23 (D-AC-1), Rep. u/Stephen29 (D-US)
Judging from the Wikipedia link on the US House of Representatives elections in 1794, the Federalist Party, which Dayton was part of, was in the minority in that election. The Democratic - Republican Party had a majority over the Federalist Party, 59 - 47. So then why was Jonathan Dayton, part of the minority party, elected Speaker of the House? To my understanding, in order to be Speaker, you must have a majority in the House.
