Term limits, which essentially involve imposing limits on the length of time political office holders can serve, is not a new idea. The philosophy of moving individuals in and out of public office dates back to the fourth century BC. Aristotle, Greek philosopher and tutor to Alexander the Great, expressed his views on the subject in his writings: “. . . that a man should not hold the same office twice, or not often, or in the case of a few, except military offices; that the duration of all positions, or as many as possible, should be short. . .” (quoted in Lopez 4). This indicates that Aristotle believed that term limits, absent from the current political process, were beneficial. Applying term limits, rather than allowing an unlimited term, could be an effective measure to improve the legislative process; an end result that most citizens should prefer. Introducing new ideas and visionary solutions to national problems into the political arena is an important aspect of the success of American democracy. Although some argue that term limits are not necessary, improving the process of government should be an ongoing national goal. According to Edward J. Lopez, an economics professor at Western Carolina University, the preference for term limits is an ongoing national goal. a point of view shared by many editors in the country. Notables such as James Madison and George Mason actually included term limits in personally drafted policy documents; Madison in his Virginia Plan and Mason in the Virginia Bill of Rights (Lopez 5). One view of those who oppose term limits is that limits weaken the legislature's position as an equal partner in government. Representative Michael V. Saxl, Speaker of the 95th M...... middle of paper ...... m limiting legislation. His article provides a unique perspective from a state executive office on how term limits were beneficial to the legislative process and citizens of Arkansas. Saxl, Michael V. "Term Limits and Diminished Returns." Spectrum: Journal of State Government 74.4 (2001): 1. Business Source Complete. Internet. December 22, 2013. Speaker Saxl served a full four-term term in the Maine House of Representatives. First elected in 1995, he became majority leader in his third term and Speaker of the House in his fourth. Speaker Saxl has first-hand experience with the effects of term limits. Like Rep. Adair of Oklahoma, Speaker Saxl's position is not in favor of term limits provisions. His experience with the effects of term limits being both beneficial and, in his opinion, detrimental, adds an interesting perspective as a source for this essay..