Does the Job Description for Politicians Need a Rewrite?

Does the Job Description for Politicians Need a Rewrite?

Across the country, people are asking whether our political system needs new criteria for who can serve in office. Some believe age limits or term limits could bring in fresh perspectives and prevent career politicians from staying too long. Others argue that experience—not age or tenure—is what matters most for effective leadership, along with factors like education, professional background, and length of residency.

At this meeting, we’ll explore how ideas like age limits, term limits, and other eligibility requirements could shape the future of American democracy.

We’ll ask questions such as:

• If we want to change the criteria for politicians, how do you think that should happen?
• What qualities matter most for someone serving in public office, and how might those translate into formal requirements?
• How could different criteria affect accountability, representation, and institutional knowledge? What are the pros and cons?
• Could too many—or too strict—requirements exclude strong candidates?
• How can we balance what we hope for in public leaders with what is realistically available?

This conversation will give us a chance to examine how we balance experience with renewal in our political system—and to consider what kind of leadership best serves the public good.

Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.
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