The tradition of a United States President serving only two terms is deeply ingrained in American political history, so much so that it became formally codified in the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. However, this wasn’t always the case. For over 150 years, the two-term limit was an unwritten rule, a precedent set by the first President, George Washington. But the tumultuous events of the 20th century led to a significant departure from this tradition, raising crucial questions about presidential power and term limits. This brings us to the pivotal question: which U.S. President served more than two terms, and what were the circumstances that led to this break with precedent?
The answer to this question is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. Roosevelt, often referred to by his initials FDR, was elected to an unprecedented four terms, leading the nation through the Great Depression and the majority of World War II. His decision to seek and win a third and fourth term shattered the long-standing two-term tradition and ultimately paved the way for the 22nd Amendment, which formally limited presidents to a maximum of two terms in office.
To understand the significance of Roosevelt’s break with tradition, it’s essential to delve into the historical context of presidential term limits in the U.S. The concept of limiting presidential terms was debated even during the drafting of the Constitution. Under the Articles of Confederation, there was no single executive leader; instead, Congress held both legislative and executive powers. When the idea of a President was introduced, the Founding Fathers had differing opinions on the length of term and re-eligibility. Figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison even considered a lifetime term for presidents, nominated by Congress, but this sparked fears of an “elective monarchy.” Ultimately, it was decided that presidents would be elected by the people through the Electoral College and, notably, without term limits.
George Washington, the first president, voluntarily stepped down after two terms in 1796. This act was crucial in establishing the two-term norm. Washington’s decision was motivated by a desire to prevent the presidency from becoming too powerful and to ensure a peaceful transition of power. For over a century and a half, every president, with the exception of Ulysses S. Grant’s unsuccessful attempt at a third term in 1880 after leaving office for one term, followed Washington’s precedent. This two-term tradition became an ingrained, albeit informal, constraint on presidential tenure.
However, the unique challenges of the 20th century, particularly the Great Depression and World War II, dramatically altered the landscape. Franklin D. Roosevelt was first elected in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression. His leadership during this economic crisis was widely praised, and he was re-elected for a second term in 1936. As the 1940 election approached, the world was on the brink of another major conflict with the outbreak of World War II in Europe.
Facing a global crisis and with the memory of the Great Depression still fresh in the minds of Americans, Roosevelt decided to run for an unprecedented third term. His rationale was rooted in the extraordinary circumstances facing the nation. He argued that his experience and leadership were crucial for navigating the impending international crisis. In 1940, he successfully won his third term, breaking the two-term tradition set by Washington. He then led the United States through World War II, and in 1944, despite declining health, he ran for and won a fourth term. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms were seen by many as necessary during a time of national and global emergency.
However, Roosevelt’s extended tenure also sparked concerns about the concentration of power in the presidency. After his death in April 1945, and the end of World War II later that year, these concerns grew stronger. While his leadership was widely credited with guiding the nation through two major crises, the idea of a president serving for over a decade raised questions about potential executive overreach in peacetime.
In 1947, reflecting these concerns, Congress initiated the process to formally limit presidential terms. The House of Representatives proposed Joint Resolution 27, advocating for a constitutional amendment that would limit presidents to two terms. After revisions in the Senate, the proposal was approved and sent to the states for ratification on March 21, 1947. This proposed amendment, which became the 22nd Amendment, was officially ratified in 1951.
The 22nd Amendment states that “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice…” and includes stipulations regarding those who have served more than two years of another president’s term. This amendment effectively formalized the two-term limit, ensuring that no president could ever again serve more than two elected terms, directly responding to the precedent set by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Since its ratification, the 22nd Amendment has remained in place, shaping the landscape of American presidential politics. While there have been occasional discussions about repealing or modifying it, the amendment continues to reflect a national consensus on the importance of limiting presidential power and preventing any single individual from holding the office for too long. The legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms is therefore complex: a testament to his leadership during unprecedented crises, but also the catalyst for a constitutional amendment designed to prevent any future president from repeating his extended tenure. The question of which president served three terms leads directly to understanding a pivotal moment in American history and the enduring impact of the 22nd Amendment on the office of the President.
