When we think of politicians having experience, we usually mean how long they have been in Congress, working the system, and playing the political game, but we deserve a different kind of experience in the people representing us.

Right now, running for Congress is a career move rather than an act of service. Untold numbers of Americans are more than qualified to serve as representatives, with experience from business, education, healthcare, the military, science, and elsewhere. Many of these Americans would be willing to serve for a time, but serving in Congress has become a lifelong commitment.

Term limits would redefine what it means to run for office, encouraging Americans from all walks of life to run, knowing that they are not expected to stay indefinitely, but rather to serve for a time, and then return home.