AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Executive Term Limits
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Identify one disadvantage of executive term limits related to effective leaders.
A key disadvantage is that term limits can force good executives to leave office, even if they are popular and governing effectively.
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Identify one disadvantage of executive term limits related to effective leaders.
A key disadvantage is that term limits can force good executives to leave office, even if they are popular and governing effectively.
Explain how executive term limits can negatively impact policy continuity.
Term limits can impede policy continuity by forcing a change in leadership, which can lead to the abandonment of long-term projects or abrupt shifts in policy direction.
How can executive term limits provide opportunities for political change?
Term limits ensure opportunities for new leaders with new ideas, policies, or goals to take office at regular intervals.
What is a 'lame-duck period' in the context of executive term limits?
It is a disadvantage of term limits where an officeholder in their final term has weakened influence and accountability because they cannot run for reelection.
A country is considering eliminating its presidential term limits to allow a highly effective and experienced leader to continue governing. What potential disadvantage of term limits is this country trying to avoid?
The country is trying to avoid the disadvantage of forcing good executives to leave office and preventing an officeholder from building experience as chief executive.
A president in their final term struggles to get legislation passed as their influence wanes. What disadvantage of term limits does this scenario illustrate?
This illustrates the creation of a 'lame-duck period,' where the officeholder's power is diminished and accountability may be weakened because they cannot seek reelection.
What is the primary purpose of executive term limits in relation to executive power?
Executive term limits serve to check executive power and inhibit the emergence of dictators and personality rule.
According to the text, how might term limits shift an officeholder's focus in a positive way?
Term limits can help to focus the officeholder on governing and achieving policy goals rather than constantly focusing on winning future elections.
Besides preventing experienced leaders from staying in office, how else can term limits negatively affect an executive's expertise?
Term limits can prevent an officeholder from building significant experience as chief executive, which can be a disadvantage for effective governance.
What is a drawback of term limits regarding the time an executive has to accomplish their agenda?
A disadvantage is that term limits may allow insufficient time for an officeholder to achieve their long-term goals or see their policies through to completion.