Discontent with politics and politicians has lead to calls for term-limiting elected legislators to a specified period of service - in the belief that new faces would bring new perspectives and the influence of monied special interests would decrease. This innovative volume examines the effects of term limits by combining statistical analysis of the effects of term limits on electoral competition, campaign contributions, and the activities of the Michigan legislature with in-depth interviews with legislators. The book thus sheds important light on the political, institutional and individual effects of term limits. The authors find many surprises that neither advocate nor oppose anticipated, included shifts in the balance of power, changes within and between political parties, and new career paths for politicians.

"Scholars, practioners, journalists and voters who read this important contribution to the study of state legislative term limits will have a better understanding the consequences in Michigan, California and around the country. The book examines pre and post term limits data to identify effects in the political environment, personal characteristics of legislators, and governing institutions. While focusing on Michigan, comparisons with California provide additional support for the findings regarding composition, competition, and action."
--Rick Farmer, University of Akron
"Term limits is one of the most hotly-debated topics in state politics today, and this book provides unexpected findings and new insights that will make compelling reading for scholars, practitioners, and anyone who cares about democracy and policymaking. This carefully-constructed, rigorous study provides an in-depth, detailed picture of the state legislature in electoral politics and governance over time, before and after term limits. The portrait is a troubling one that largely contradicts the aims of term limit reforms - weakening electoral competition, lessening democratic responsiveness, and strengthening the role of lobbyists in policymaking. Beyond the considerable contribution that this study makes to academic research on the topic, its lucid style and concrete policy recommendations should enhance its appeal to the broad audience it deserves."
--Karen Mossberger, Kent State University