Franklin D. Roosevelt’s name is synonymous with transformative leadership and unprecedented political success. On November 5, 1940, he etched his name into the history books by defying a long-standing tradition, one initiated by George Washington, and became the first president of the United States elected to a third term. But Did Fdr Serve 3 Or 4 Terms? The answer is indeed four, as he went on to win a fourth term, beginning on January 20, 1945, further solidifying his unique place in American presidential history.
Roosevelt remains the only president to have won more than two consecutive presidential elections, a feat made possible by a confluence of extraordinary circumstances. His pursuit and achievement of a third term occurred while the United States was still grappling with the economic devastation of the Great Depression and as the ominous clouds of World War II gathered across the globe. While prior presidents had considered seeking a third term, the profound instability of the era provided FDR with a compelling rationale for continuity and experienced leadership.
Barbara Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, aptly summarizes the context: “You have economic-domestic issues and you have foreign policy with the outbreak of World War II in 1939. And then you have his own political viability—he had won the 1936 election with more than two-thirds of the popular vote.” This combination of domestic crisis, international turmoil, and immense popular support created a unique environment for Roosevelt’s unprecedented decision.
However, the very act of seeking and winning a third and then a fourth term sparked debate about the potential for abuse of power. Concerned about the implications of unchecked presidential tenure, U.S. lawmakers eventually took action. Two years after FDR’s death in office, Congress passed the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, officially limiting presidents to a maximum of two terms. This amendment was ratified in 1951, forever altering the landscape of presidential service.
Despite the eventual backlash and constitutional amendment, it’s crucial to remember that in 1940, when FDR sought his third term, “There was nothing but precedent standing in his way,” as Perry points out. She further emphasizes the significant weight of precedent, particularly concerning the presidency, but in Roosevelt’s case, the compelling arguments for continuity in a time of crisis outweighed this historical norm.
Precedent Breakers and Failed Attempts: The Road to the 22nd Amendment
The National Constitution Center highlights that the framers of the Constitution largely opposed presidential term limits. Despite numerous proposed amendments between 1796 and 1940 aimed at establishing such limits, none were adopted. Instead, the tradition of a two-term presidency, established by George Washington, became an unwritten rule.
Nevertheless, several presidents before Roosevelt had contemplated or actively pursued a third term. Ulysses S. Grant, despite his popularity after the Civil War, failed to secure the Republican nomination for a third term in 1880. Theodore Roosevelt, after serving almost two terms (completing McKinley’s term and winning his own), unsuccessfully ran for a third, non-consecutive term in 1912. Woodrow Wilson’s bid for the Democratic nomination for a third term in 1920 also fell short. Interestingly, Harry Truman, who succeeded Roosevelt and was president when the 22nd Amendment was passed, was exempt from its limitations. He did consider a third term run in 1952 but withdrew after a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary.
These attempts, and ultimately FDR’s success, underscore the complex history of presidential term limits in the United States. While Washington’s precedent held strong for over a century, the unique circumstances of the 20th century, particularly the crises of the Great Depression and World War II, created an opening for Roosevelt to break that tradition.
The Shadow of War and the Argument for Stability
Roosevelt’s campaign for a third term in 1940 unfolded as the world teetered on the brink of war. While the United States remained officially neutral and adhered to an isolationist stance, President Roosevelt recognized the growing threat posed by global conflict.
Perry explains Roosevelt’s thinking: “He was trying to guide us along to try to keep Britain afloat with things like lend-lease. That obviously was preying on his mind and he didn’t think that the U.S. should ‘change horses in midstream’ as this war was building towards what he knew would eventually be our full-fledged intervention in both the European and Pacific theaters.” This “don’t change horses in midstream” argument resonated deeply with a nation facing unprecedented uncertainty.
Roosevelt’s victory over Republican challenger Wendell Willkie in 1940, while not as overwhelming as his 1936 landslide, was still decisive. He secured 55 percent of the popular vote and a commanding 449 to 82 electoral vote margin, demonstrating continued public confidence in his leadership during turbulent times.
The Pushback: Republicans and the Fear of Tyranny
Despite Roosevelt’s electoral successes, his decision to seek a third and fourth term was not without significant opposition. The National Constitution Center notes that his third-term bid led to the departure of key Democratic supporters and advisors from his campaign, highlighting the internal divisions his decision created.
Slogans like “FDR Out at Third” circulated, and Perry points out that approximately one-third of Americans, particularly those in business and wealthier segments of society, consistently voted against him. These opponents often accused him of pushing the nation towards socialism, reflecting deep ideological divides.
Perry recounts anecdotes of the intense animosity some felt towards Roosevelt, with detractors refusing to even say his name, instead referring to him as “That Man.” However, Roosevelt remained confident in his popular support and electoral strength, believing he was the leader best equipped to guide the nation through the “two greatest catastrophes of the 20th century.”
By 1944, as Roosevelt sought a fourth term amidst World War II, the debate over term limits intensified. Republicans spearheaded the movement for formal term limits, echoing concerns shared by some Democrats about the dangers of prolonged presidential power and the importance of upholding Washington’s precedent to prevent potential tyranny.
Thomas Dewey, Roosevelt’s Republican opponent in 1944, forcefully argued, “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 victory in the Electoral College.
Tragically, Roosevelt’s fourth term was cut short by his death on April 12, 1945, just 11 weeks into his term. His passing galvanized the movement for term limits, and two years later, the 22nd Amendment was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, enshrining the two-term limit into the Constitution.
The 22nd Amendment states definitively: “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 FDR’s unprecedented four terms, shaping the future of the American presidency and ensuring that no president can again serve more than two full terms in office.
