Franklin D. Roosevelt, often referred to by his initials FDR, marked a significant turning point in the history of the American presidency. On November 5, 1940, he achieved something no president before him had done: win a third term in office. This unprecedented victory shattered a long-standing tradition dating back to George Washington, who had set the precedent of serving only 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 longest-serving president in United States history.
FDR’s extended tenure was not merely a matter of political ambition. It was deeply intertwined with the extraordinary circumstances facing the nation and the world during his time. His third and fourth terms were largely shaped by two monumental events: the Great Depression and World War II. As the United States grappled with economic hardship and then plunged into global conflict, Roosevelt presented himself as a steady hand, a leader whose experience was crucial for navigating these crises.
Alt text: President Franklin D. Roosevelt speaking to the nation, warning of the challenges of war, reflecting his leadership during World War II and his extended presidential service.
Barbara Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, explains the unique context of FDR’s third term bid. “You have economic-domestic issues and you have foreign policy with the outbreak of World War II in 1939,” she notes. Beyond these critical issues, Roosevelt’s own political strength was undeniable. He had secured a landslide victory in the 1936 election, winning over two-thirds of the popular vote, demonstrating significant public confidence in his leadership.
The Factors Behind FDR’s Unprecedented Four Terms
Several factors converged to enable Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms in office. The ongoing Great Depression, which began in 1929, had deeply impacted American society, and by 1940, while some recovery had occurred, economic anxieties remained high. Then, with the eruption of World War II in Europe in 1939, a new sense of global instability and threat emerged. In this climate of domestic and international crisis, Roosevelt argued that continuity in leadership was paramount. His experience and established relationships, he contended, were essential for guiding the nation through these turbulent times.
As Perry points out, the precedent set by George Washington was the primary obstacle to a third term. However, unlike a formal legal barrier, this precedent was a matter of tradition, not law. “There was nothing but precedent standing in his way,” Perry states. “But, still, precedent, especially as it relates to the presidency, can be pretty powerful.” Roosevelt successfully argued that the extraordinary circumstances of the time warranted a departure from this tradition.
The Road to the 22nd Amendment: Term Limits Established
While Roosevelt’s popularity and the pressing national crises allowed him to break the two-term precedent, his extended tenure ultimately led to a significant change in the American political landscape. Concerns arose about the potential for abuse of power if a president could serve indefinitely. This concern, though not widely successful in previous attempts, gained traction following FDR’s four terms.
Two years after President Roosevelt’s death in 1945, Congress responded to these concerns by passing the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment formally limited presidents to a maximum of two terms in office. It was ratified in 1951, ensuring that no future president could serve as long as FDR. The 22nd Amendment became a direct consequence of Roosevelt’s four terms, solidifying the principle of term limits into American law.
Other Presidents and the Third Term Ambition
Interestingly, Franklin D. Roosevelt was not the first president to consider or attempt a third term, though he was the only one to succeed in winning and serving more than two. According to the National Constitution Center, there were numerous attempts to introduce presidential term limits through amendments between 1796 and 1940, highlighting a recurring debate throughout American history. Despite these proposed limits failing, most presidents before Roosevelt adhered to Washington’s two-term precedent.
Several presidents before FDR had entertained the idea of a third term, or even actively sought it. Ulysses S. Grant, for example, unsuccessfully sought a third term in 1880. Theodore Roosevelt, after serving nearly two full terms (including McKinley’s unexpired term and his own subsequent election and reelection), also ran for a third, non-consecutive term in 1912 but was unsuccessful. Woodrow Wilson also considered a third term but did not receive the Democratic nomination in 1920. Even Harry Truman, who succeeded Roosevelt and was president when the 22nd Amendment was passed (exempting him from its immediate application), briefly considered a third term in 1952 before withdrawing his candidacy.
Alt text: Animated graphic titled “America 101: Why Do We Have Presidential Term Limits?” illustrating the historical context and rationale behind presidential term limits in the United States.
These prior attempts, while unsuccessful, underscore the historical context surrounding Roosevelt’s breakthrough of the two-term tradition. It wasn’t that the idea of presidents serving longer was entirely new, but Roosevelt was the first to successfully overcome the established precedent and win a third and then a fourth term.
Public Opinion and Political Opposition to FDR’s Extended Presidency
While Franklin D. Roosevelt enjoyed widespread popularity, particularly among ordinary Americans who benefited from his New Deal programs and admired his wartime leadership, his decision to seek third and fourth terms was not without opposition. As the National Constitution Center notes, some key Democratic supporters and advisors left his campaign due to his third-term bid.
Political buttons with slogans like “FDR Out at Third” circulated, reflecting a segment of public opinion that believed in adhering to the traditional two-term limit. Perry points out that despite Roosevelt’s overall popularity, a significant minority, roughly one-third of Americans, primarily those in business and wealthier individuals, consistently voted against him. Their opposition often stemmed from concerns about his policies, which they viewed as leaning towards socialism and expanding government power.
Despite this opposition, Roosevelt consistently won significant popular and electoral vote majorities. His 1940 victory against Wendell Willkie, while not as overwhelming as his 1936 landslide, still demonstrated a solid mandate, with 55 percent of the popular vote and a decisive electoral college win of 449 to 82. Even in 1944, facing Thomas Dewey, he secured 54 percent of the popular vote and 432 electoral votes.
Legacy of a Long Presidency: Impact and the 22nd Amendment
Franklin D. Roosevelt served as president for 12 years, one month, and eight days, from March 4, 1933, until his death on April 12, 1945. This lengthy tenure spanned some of the most critical periods in 20th-century American and world history. He led the nation through the depths of the Great Depression and most of World War II. His leadership during these crises shaped the modern American presidency and had a lasting impact on the role of the United States in global affairs.
However, his unprecedented four terms also fundamentally altered the understanding of presidential term limits. While many initially supported his continued leadership during times of crisis, the potential for long-term rule by a single individual raised concerns about the balance of power and the risks of tyranny. The Republican party, in particular, championed the cause of term limits, though many Democrats also agreed with the need to codify the two-term tradition into law.
Thomas Dewey, Roosevelt’s Republican opponent in 1944, voiced these concerns directly, stating that “Four terms or 16 years is the most dangerous threat to our freedom ever proposed.” While Dewey’s warnings did not prevent Roosevelt’s fourth victory, they resonated with a growing sentiment that presidential power needed to be checked through term limits.
Ultimately, the passage and ratification of the 22nd Amendment cemented Roosevelt’s legacy not only as a transformative president but also as the catalyst for formalizing presidential term limits in the United States. His extraordinary service, born out of extraordinary times, redefined the American presidency and led to lasting constitutional reform.
Alt text: Last known color photograph of President Franklin D. Roosevelt at his desk, a poignant image from his record-breaking long presidency before his death.
