The song U.S. Term Limits v. Thornton tells the story of a challenge to an amendment to the Arkansas State Constitution that imposed term limits on candidates for Congress. The Supreme Court of the United States ultimately ruled that such state-imposed term limits were unconstitutional, as they went against the qualifications for congressional service set forth in the Constitution. The song highlights the historical significance of the Qualifications Clauses in the Constitution, which establish fixed and exclusive qualifications for members of Congress. It references the precedent set in the landmark case Powell v. McCormack, where the Court determined that Congress cannot alter or add to the qualifications listed in the Constitution. The song also touches upon the democratic principles underlying the Court's decision, emphasizing the people's right to choose their representatives freely. It underlines the importance of maintaining an open and equal opportunity for all individuals to seek election to Congress, as dictated by the principles of representative democracy. Overall, the song U.S. Term Limits v. Thornton celebrates the Court's decision to uphold the constitutional limits on state-imposed qualifications for congressional candidates, reaffirming the Founders' vision of a uniform National Legislature representing the people of the United States.
