Referendum(s) by non politicians

I am sure (or at least hope) that a referendum can get placed on a ballot by someone (or group) that is binding if it gets the majority of the votes saying yes. I just don't know how it is done, especially for a national election.

In this case, term limits. We all know that politicians will NOT vote for term limits so it would seem that it would have to get placed on the national ballot by a group of US citizens. I just don't know what the actual process would be as I am not a constitutional lawyer.

I would like to see term limits of 8 to 11 years 364 days (to take into account the death of the person elected on day 1 of their term) for the President, 8 to 9 years 364 days (same reason) Representatives, 8 years to 11 years 364 days Senators (same reason). If the person elected (in the case of the House or Senate) were to die in office, it would be required that the replacement be chosen by special election or from the same party so that a Governor could not put in a crony from his own party. House members every 2 years, Senators every 4 years. Politicians could run again ONLY after sitting out a minimum of 8 years.

Elections would not be at the same time. For example; President elected in 2020, House in 2021, Senate in 2022, House in 2023, President in 2024, House in 2025, Senate in 2026, etc. That way the politicians can't keep saying that they need to keep being reelected so they can get the job done. If it can't be done in a couple years it doesn't need to be done and the offset elections mean what was proposed should continue to move through the process if it is a viable solution.

Democratic elections for Reps because they are not as broad based as Senators or President. Electoral College for President (national) and Senate (state - so that, like in PA, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia don't elect our US Senators)

The above is just a rough thought, I know things won't be that simplistic.

You can call me a dreamier that this will ever happen, I don't mind, but something needs to be done before the US becomes just like these other shithole 3rd world countries that are caused by socialism and communism.

But the question is CAN IT BE DONE or are we as a nation too far gone with too many obstacles in place do it? (Rein in our government without bloodshed)

Wiki isn't the most desirable source, but they say:

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There is no provision for the holding of referendums at the federal level in the United States, which the Constitution does not provide for.

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Only 24 states have some type of process for this.

I don't believe there are referendum votes on the federal level, however you can always just vote for Tom Styer since he promises to pass term limits for all elected positions.

I kinda figured that there wouldn't be an avenue to do this but I would have though that something would have been written so that violent overthrow would not be the only way to change things. Our forefathers pretty much got it right the first time but you would think that with the fore thought that went into the documents back then they would have thought about something different other than physically throwing the bums out. They did make sure that the US was NOT a democracy but a representative republic, that was definitely good. Well, they were honorable men/women back then, not like the yahoos now that think they control us.

Hodgie, I'll have to read up on Tom Styer but he can promise anything he wants but one person isn't going to pass anything in Congress (unless it's gas - hey wait a minute would that make congress a gas chamber :) )

I’ve been saying for years that term limits need to be in place for elected positions. Once you have done your limit in a particular position move on to another or go away. I feel this would correct many of the ills we currently have in govt.. I don’t believe our fore fathers intended for govt. service to be a life long occupation. Our current system fosters stale uncooperative partisan thoughts.

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Originally Posted by red dog

I’ve been saying for years that term limits need to be in place for elected positions. Once you have done your limit in a particular position move on to another or go away. I feel this would correct many of the ills we currently have in govt.. I don’t believe our fore fathers intended for govt. service to be a life long occupation. Our current system fosters stale uncooperative partisan thoughts.

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It all went tits up once they went from elected public servants to elected officials in the eyes of the public.

Hit the nail on the head, it is suppose to be public servant not public official.

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Originally Posted by Hodgie

It all went tits up once they went from elected public servants to elected officials in the eyes of the public.

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Our newly built municipal building doesn't say municipal building - the words "GOVERNMENT CENTER" are obnoxiously displayed in massive, silver, raised lettering across the top of the wall facing the road.
The moment I first saw it, I thought to myself, "Gee, they don't think TOO highly of themselves, now DO they?"

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Originally Posted by Hodgie

It all went tits up once they went from elected public servants to elected officials in the eyes of the public.

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Well, that leads to another question. For the person(s) elected to serve the people, where might it be that it is actually defined? Does the definition say "...to serve the public..." or what? Maybe we need to start at the lowest level (township councils) and start reminding them of the definition and work our way up. Yes, probably a long and arduous task but we need to remind them day in and day out.

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Originally Posted by Hodgie

I don't believe there are referendum votes on the federal level, however you can always just vote for Tom Styer since he promises to pass term limits for all elected positions.

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Who?