Ineligibility Clause Law and Legal Definition
The ineligibility clause in the U.S. constitution puts a limitation on the employment of members of Congress, and the employees of the executive branch, from serving or holding other office of Congress. This clause expressly bars the senator or representatives from being appointed to any civil office under the authority of the U.S.
The purpose of the clause is twofold:
1. to protect separation of powers;
2. to prevent Congress from conspiring to create offices or increase federal officials' salaries with the expectation that members of Congress would later be appointed to these posts.
