Legal Definitions - term of office

The term of office refers to the specific, predetermined length of time that an individual is authorized to hold a particular position or role. This period applies to both elected officials and appointed individuals, during which they are entitled to perform the duties, exercise the powers, and receive the associated benefits of that position.

• Example 1: An Elected Mayor

  A city's charter might state that its mayor serves a four-year term. This means that once elected, the mayor holds the office for exactly four years, performing all mayoral duties, overseeing city departments, and receiving their salary and benefits. At the end of this four-year period, their term concludes, and a new term begins for the next elected individual, even if the incumbent is re-elected.

• Example 2: A University President

  A university's board of trustees might appoint a new president for an initial five-year term. During these five years, the president is responsible for the university's operations, strategic planning, and fundraising, and receives the agreed-upon compensation and benefits. At the end of the five years, the board will review their performance and decide whether to offer a new term or seek a different leader.

• Example 3: A Member of a Regulatory Commission

  A federal law might establish a regulatory commission and specify that its members are appointed by the President for staggered seven-year terms. This ensures that each commissioner, once confirmed, serves for precisely seven years, participating in regulatory decisions and receiving their government salary, regardless of changes in presidential administrations during their service. After seven years, their term expires, and a new appointment is made.