Essay: Resolving the lack of term limits for Texas governor

Abstract
This is an informative, problem solving essay that has the purpose of resolving the lack of term limits for Texas governor’s. A term limit is the enforcement of resignation to any political leader after a pre-determined number of years they are allowed to hold office. There are several books, and one journal used to support and apply ideas to this argument, with the goal of demonstrating a need for term limits. The essay should provide the consequences of a government without term limits, and express the benefits that will come when they are implemented. It provides actions that citizens can take to be a part of a resolution for term limits, and how they can diligently work towards this goal.
How Term Limits Have an Effect on Texas Government
“State your problem as clearly and precisely as you can.” The state of Texas, one of the largest states in America, both in size and population, also holds one of the greatest tenure of offices. As one of the most important executive offices in the state, the governor of Texas has the ability to sit in office for four years, and has no limit of terms. Texas is one in a small collection of states that has no term limits, specifically for governors. It has been debated many times whether there is a need for term limits, and in May of 2013 the Texas House once again turned down a move to instate term limits. Writer for The Dallas Morning News Christy Hoppe (2013) stated, “The last term limit proposal to make it through the Senate also died in House, in 1995.” Rightfully so, governor term limits are a popular topic in Texas politics. Many are unaware of the issues that come along with the lack of term limits, though. Ultimately, the problem lies in the politician, but could be controlled by a term limit. It’s when people sit in office for years that they become stagnant, and undependable to keep their word. When term limits are enforced, it keeps a politician responsible and conscious to voters’ needs.
“What is your purpose, goal, and need for solving this problem?” Term limits are simply precautions, in hopes of preventing inactivity in office. Texas governors do not have these protections, due to the lack of term limits. Michael Lauderdale wrote in Reinventing Texas Government (1999), “In the previous era of assembly line organization, leadership was often called upon simply to maintain and refine goals for an organization. This explains the use of the term management.” While the quote is not speaking about term limits in office, it directly relates to them. Essentially, elected officials are chosen by the people to carry out the policies they say they will make. When politicians stay in office for a prolonged period of time, they lose their desire to execute the plans they once promised, and become ineffective to the Texas government. These issues are what create the need for term limits, with the intent of a more productive administration.
“Study the problem to determine the ‘kind’ of problem you are dealing with. What kind of problem are you trying to solve? What do you have to do to solve it?” The problem of term limits is one that every government system in the United States has confronted, from the federal government, to state governments, and even in cities. Although Texas is the largest state to not have term limits, it is not the only one. Quite literally, the issue spreads throughout the nation. The term limit debate is not a new problem, but a reoccurring one that has lasted for decades, if not centuries. There is not going to be any solving the issue, though, unless the government can come to an agreement about it. Upon this happening, calculations must be worked out in deciding how long to limit terms, for what offices, and so much more. In the nearly two-hundred years that Texas has been a state, and the numerous times the issue of term limits has been approached on the floor, it continues to be a prominent subject. In Article 4. Sec. 4 of The Texas Constitution (amend. 1972)), it explains the Governor’s requirements, and states that they, “…shall hold his office for the term of four years, or until his successor shall be duly installed.” This particular section was amended in 1972, therefore proving the lengthy period of time that term limits were a significant matter, as they continue to be.
“What from your problem do you have control over and what do you have no control over?” As an ordinary citizen, there is not much an individual can do by themselves concerning the change in term limits. Despite raising support for those who encourage term limits that are in office, and campaigning for those running for office, it is the Texas Legislature that will ultimately decide.  As Grass-roots Reconstruction in Texas, 1865-1880 by Randolph Campbell (1997) says, “The most striking change brought by the constitution involved the centralization of power in Austin…” Little control over the situation can be taken outside of the state Capital, but people’s support and awareness has the capability to accomplish great things when it comes to politics. Although not everyone can pass the bill to create term limits, it is the people who have been voted in that do just that, and this is where citizens can participate in making a change. When it comes to voting, it is crucial to be careful, and aware of who the individual is and if they will actively make progress in these pressing issues. Though there is not much, this is the most important thing citizens can personally do to impact their government, both federal and statewide.
“What information do you need to solve the problem? How can you actively seek the information you need to solve the problem?” The saying “knowledge is power” applies to most subjects in politics – term limits is one of these subjects. Being educated and alert to how term limits, or the lack of, can impact a state’s government is crucial in the progress of implementing them. Not only are these vital factors, but also having the knowledge of exactly who is encouraging term limits and those who are not can benefit individuals when it comes to voting, and supporting politicians. With modern resources like the internet and social media it can be easy to find the needed information, but even easier to find biased news, or rumors. Locating a trusted resource can make a great difference in what material you find. Concerning the work of interest groups, Sherri Mora and William Ruger state in their book The State of Texas: Government, Politics, and Policy (2017) that, “An interest group that produces good, high-quality research and information can have a positive impact on public policy.”  This is not only true for interest groups, but also individuals just wanting to make an influence.
“What theory or theories can you formulate concerning this problem? Carefully analyze and interpret your theories and draw reasonable interferences.” There are many theories to contemplate when it comes to term limits for Texas governor’s; wondering what would happen if none were set in place, or the opposite, what would take place if there were term limits enforced. After taking into account the Texas government within the last twenty years, it is quite easy to imagine an administration without term limits. If term limits cease to exist in Texas, the state will continue to see governor’s that sit still in office without acting on any policies.  In George Green’s book The Establishment in Texas Politics: The Primitive Years, 1938-1957 it says, “…the ambitious governor declared his candidacy for an unprecedented third term. Not only was this a violation of Texas tradition, but also the governor’s administration was racked with scandal. This setting did not augur well for a clean-cut primary based on meaningful issues.” Although this quote is talking about the 1954 Texas governor election of Allan Shivers, it clearly depicts the consequences of no term limits. With the hope of term limits, comes the expectation that policies will begin changing and reform will be seen in areas that are actually harming the state of Texas. It is not only better, but necessary to assess both of these options and the actions that individuals can take upon either of them occurring.
“Determine your options for action. What can you do in the short term? What can you do in the long term?” When it comes to a bill, or proposition within the state government it is quite difficult to be actively involved unless you are in the Legislature. There are ways individuals can assist in producing a change though, and specifically when it comes to term limits. In the short term, supporting politicians is the first, and simplest step. When a politician openly declares they are in support of term limits, giving them backing is the most helpful thing anyone can do. Whether it is working on their campaign directly, or just creating awareness of who they are to those around you, a little bit can go far in the long term. Bigger, and more powerful options of action are organizing a rally or information gathering. As these things are options, it is important to keep in mind that it does not have to be a protest to be affective.
“Evaluate your options, determining their advantages and disadvantages.” Term limits is a popular topic in the government, and especially in states that have none, such at Texas. Though this might be true, many people do not educate themselves on why it is a common subject. This is where rallies, and information meetings can be beneficial. Creating awareness for what a term limit is, how it positively can affect Texas government, and even how the lack of can eventually hurt an administration is the first step to getting support. While a rally is an idea that has great prospective, it also has the potential to turn negative. There will always be the possibility of violence, or hatred upon a certain subject so being cautious as to where it is held, what all is being spoke of, and what kind of crowd is attending is vital to an ultimately safe, and informing meeting. Another option of action is encouraging those in office who support term limits. By being alert to the character of the individual, and relying on them to carry out that which they say, supporting a politician and their hopes to pass term limits can ultimately be an individual’s way of directly being involved. A politician always has the right to change their mind though, therefore even this option has the ability to produce negative results.
“Adopt a strategy. Follow through on it.” The safest, yet most effective and immediate option of action is to support a politician. This does not have to eliminate any future plans of a rally, or meeting but could actually open up more opportunity for them. As you begin speaking with a politician that sits in office, is actively on the floor with the ambition to be the voice of voters, this will only lead to greater prospects. Term limits is not an issue that is going to be resolved quickly, as Texas, and much of the United States has been discussing the issue since the creation of America. As Scott Meinke and Edward Hasecke state in their article Term Limits, Professionalization, and Partisan Control in the U.S. State Legislatures (2002), “Term limitation is one of the most significant institutional changes that have occurred in modern legislatures.” Because of this, the progress of getting term limits enforced is not going to be short-lived. It is going to take more citizens becoming involved, and more politicians actively fighting and listening to voters.
“Evaluate and assess the implications of your action/strategy.” Anytime a bill is proposed in Legislature, there will always be consequences. Since 1972, the bill to pass term limits for the Texas governor has been shut down. The state of Texas actively sees the consequences of this as governor’s rest in office for decades. From the year 2000, when George Bush took the Presidency, to 2015, former Texas governor Rick Perry held office. Perry has had the longest run as governor in the state of Texas, and if term limits are not set in place, this will only continue to progress. With the highly anticipated term limit bill passed, Texas would see a round of fresh politics. Hopefully, new governors every some years would mean new ideas, new innovations, and a better state government. While this has not yet been achieved, with the help of political leaders, assisted by voters who support them and are eagerly interested in creating a change for their state, Texas will soon see a resolve in the face of term limits.