In American history, only one president has ever attempted to surpass the two-term tradition established by George Washington, prompting voters to limit all future presidents to two terms through a formal amendment. The current discussions, spurred by former President Donald Trumpโs hints at legal avenues for a potential third-term run in 2028, bring both historical and constitutional aspects of the presidency into focus.
George Washington, the first president of the United States and leader of the 1787 convention responsible for the U.S. Constitution, became a symbol of voluntary presidential limits. Despite fears from anti-federalists of Washington becoming a prolonged figurehead akin to royalty, he peacefully exited the presidency after two terms, setting a precedent of voluntary transition. With no legal impediment to seek a third term, Washingtonโs decision emphasized a civilian government under the famed address of โMr. President,โ which maintained the democratic ethos of the new republic.
Following Washington, a firm custom emerged where several presidents adhered to this self-imposed limitation. Andrew Jackson, among the early presidents post-Washington, further solidified the notion of two terms as the norm by not pursuing a longer tenure, even as political and popular circumstances occasionally suggested longer service.
Historically, few have dared to test this self-restraint. Notably, Abraham Lincolnโs intentions remain speculative due to his assassination early in his second term, whereas Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt tried but failed to secure third terms. Grant led in delegates at the 1880 Republican convention but fell short of a nomination, while Roosevelt, having served nearly a full term after McKinleyโs assassination, refrained from running again after his own electoral victory.
The exception to this tradition came with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who, amid the global upheaval of World War II, justified a breach of custom by securing a third, then a fourth, term. Introduced as a necessity rather than ambition, his extended presidency during wartime fostered legislative momentum toward the 22nd Amendment, which formalized the two-term restriction to prevent recurrence of extended presidencies.
Post-Roosevelt, the ratification of the 22nd Amendment directed presidential service into a legal framework, stipulating a hard ceiling at two elected terms. This amendment provided an exemption for Trumanโs era; however, Truman eventually stepped back from another potential run after poor primary performance. Presidents after him, including Lyndon Johnson, faced similar constitutional and political pressures around term restrictions.
Despite occasional rhetoric around eliminating these term limits, like that from President Ronald Reagan, the 22nd Amendment remains firmly in place today. The discourse introduced by Trumpโs musings about altering or maneuvering around this term cap underscores the ongoing dialogue about presidential term limits and their implications for American democracy. While Trump suggests legal possibilities for future presidential runs beyond two terms, any substantive change to this cornerstone of modern presidential practice would require significant legal and constitutional shifts.