How Many Presidential Terms Did FDR Serve? The Historic Four Terms of Roosevelt

On November 5, 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first president of the United States elected to a third term. This action broke a long-standing tradition initiated by George Washington, who voluntarily stepped down after two terms. But Roosevelt didn’t stop there; he went on to win a fourth term, beginning on January 20, 1945, solidifying his place as the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms in office.

FDR’s unprecedented four terms as president were not merely a matter of personal ambition. They were significantly shaped by the extraordinary times in which he led the nation. His successful bids for a third and fourth term occurred during periods of immense national and global upheaval. When Roosevelt sought a third term, the United States was still grappling with the lingering effects of the Great Depression, and the shadow of World War II was looming large, having already begun in Europe in 1939. This backdrop of instability and crisis played a crucial role in his unprecedented decision to seek, and win, more than two presidential terms. While several presidents before him had considered or even attempted a third term, the unique circumstances of the era provided Roosevelt with a compelling argument for continuity and experienced leadership.

Barbara Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, emphasizes the confluence of factors that contributed to Roosevelt’s third-term victory. “You have economic-domestic issues,” Perry explains, referencing the ongoing Great Depression, “and you have foreign policy with the outbreak of World War II in 1939.” Adding to these critical issues was Roosevelt’s undeniable political strength. As Perry notes, “he had won the 1936 election with more than two-thirds of the popular vote,” demonstrating a substantial level of public confidence and approval.

However, the concentration of power in one person for such an extended period eventually prompted a legislative response. Concerns arose among U.S. lawmakers about the potential for abuse of power if presidential terms were left unchecked. In the aftermath of FDR’s death in 1945, Congress moved to solidify the two-term tradition into law. Just two years after his passing, they passed the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, officially limiting presidents to a maximum of two terms in office. This amendment was subsequently ratified in 1951, becoming a permanent fixture of American presidential governance.

Despite the eventual legal limitations, it’s important to remember that in 1940, when Roosevelt decided to run for a third term, no formal legal barrier existed. “There was nothing but precedent standing in his way,” Perry clarifies. She further underscores the significance of tradition in the presidency, stating, “But, still, precedent, especially as it relates to the presidency, can be pretty powerful.” Roosevelt’s decision to disregard this powerful precedent was a bold move that reshaped the landscape of presidential tenure in the United States.

Presidents Before FDR Who Considered a Third Term

While Franklin D. Roosevelt is unique in his success in winning a third and fourth term, he wasn’t the first president to contemplate breaking the two-term tradition. According to the National Constitution Center, the framers of the Constitution largely opposed presidential term limits. Despite this initial sentiment, and the numerous proposed amendments for term limits between 1796 and 1940 that failed to pass, the two-term precedent set by George Washington held strong for many years.

Nevertheless, several presidents before FDR considered or even attempted to secure a third term. Ulysses S. Grant, for example, sought a third term in 1880 but ultimately lost the Republican nomination to James Garfield. Theodore Roosevelt, after serving part of William McKinley’s term and then winning two terms of his own, attempted to run for a third non-consecutive term in 1912 but was defeated by William Howard Taft. Woodrow Wilson also made a bid for the Democratic nomination for a third term in 1920, but was unsuccessful. Interestingly, Harry Truman, who became president after FDR’s death, was exempt from the 22nd Amendment when it was passed. Although eligible for a third term in 1952, Truman withdrew his candidacy after a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary.

Roosevelt’s decision to run for a third term in 1940 was heavily influenced by the escalating global tensions. Even before the U.S. officially entered World War II, the president was deeply concerned about the international situation and the need for American leadership. As Perry explains, “He was trying to guide us along to try to keep Britain afloat with things like lend-lease.” This policy of providing aid to Allied nations, while maintaining official neutrality, was a significant factor in Roosevelt’s thinking. He believed that the precarious global situation demanded experienced leadership and continuity, arguing that the U.S. should not “change horses in midstream” as the world moved closer to war.

Despite the historical precedent and some opposition, Roosevelt’s popularity and the perceived need for stability during turbulent times propelled him to victory. His 1936 landslide victory against Alf Landon demonstrated his broad appeal, and while his 1940 election against Wendell Willkie was less overwhelming, he still secured a comfortable 55 percent of the popular vote and a decisive electoral college win of 449 to 82.

The Republican Opposition and the Push for Term Limits

While Franklin D. Roosevelt enjoyed widespread support, his decision to seek a third term was not without its critics. The National Constitution Center points out that his third-term bid led to the departure of some key Democratic supporters and advisors who felt it was a step too far.

Slogans like “FDR Out at Third” captured the sentiment of some who believed Roosevelt was overstaying his welcome. Perry notes that despite his overall popularity, a significant minority, approximately one-third of Americans, largely composed of business leaders and wealthier individuals, voted against him. These opponents often accused him of pushing the country towards socialism and eroding traditional American values.

Perry recounts, “Famously, there were people who would refuse to speak of him by name and would call him ‘That Man.’” However, Roosevelt remained confident in his public support and his conviction that he was the right leader to guide the nation through the immense challenges of the era. He believed he was uniquely positioned to lead the U.S. through “the two greatest catastrophes of the 20th century,” referring to the Great Depression and World War II, and history suggests he was largely successful in that endeavor.

The debate over presidential term limits intensified during Roosevelt’s fourth term in 1944. Republicans, in particular, spearheaded the movement to formalize term limits, although many Democrats also agreed with the principle of limiting presidential tenure to prevent the concentration of power. Thomas Dewey, Roosevelt’s Republican opponent in 1944, warned in a speech that “Four terms or 16 years is the most dangerous threat to our freedom ever proposed.”

Despite these warnings, Roosevelt won his fourth term, defeating Dewey with 54 percent of the popular vote and a 432 to 99 electoral college victory. Tragically, he passed away just 11 weeks into his fourth term on April 12, 1945. His death galvanized the movement for term limits, and within two years, the 22nd Amendment, limiting presidents to two terms, was passed by Congress with a two-thirds majority.

The 22nd Amendment explicitly states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.” This amendment stands as a direct consequence of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms, forever altering the landscape of presidential power and tenure in the United States.