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George Washington steps down after two terms
After completing his second term as President, George Washington was still widely admired as a leader. Many hopes he would run for a third term, but were surprised when he stepped down to avoid being a power hungry king -
Thomas Jefferson steps down after two terms
Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, steps down after serving two terms. He voluntarily stepped down to follow his predecessor. This solidified the tradition of Presidents only serving two terms. -
Grant considers a third term
After Republican President, Ulysses S. Grant, is nearing the end of his second term he considers running for a third. The House of Representatives, where the Democrats hold a majority, passes a resolution stating that running for a third term violates American political tradition. Grant chooses not to be a formal candidate but, be on call if his party wishes. -
Theodore Roosevelt runs for a third term
Roosevelt comes to the presidency following the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901. He serves the rest of McKinley's term and is reelected in 1905. After his reelection he announces that he will honor the two term tradition and not seek a third term in 1909. However in 1912 he has fallen out with his successor William Taft and challenges him for the Republican nomination. The split between the Republican votes hands the election over to Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson. -
FDR elected for third term
After serving two terms through the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt remains popular with the public. With war coming in Europe he breaks tradition and runs for a third term. His Republican opponent, Wendell Willkie, attacks Roosevelt saying he is seeking to lead the country into another war. Despite the opposition FDR becomes the first President elected to a third term. -
FDR elected to a fourth term
In the midst of World War II FDR runs for a unprecedented fourth term. His Republican opponent once again criticizes his age and well being, and the ability to lead. This strategy once again fails and he wins his fourth election. Despite being elected for a fourth term he dies four months in and Harry Truman takes over. -
Republicans win control of Congress and amend the Constitution
For the first time since the beginning of the depression, Republicans control the House and the Senate. A top priority is preventing another president from running for more than two terms.
With the support of President Harry Truman, Congress approves the 22nd amendment. -
Truman decides not to run for a third term
The 22nd amendment specifically exempts the current President Harry Truman of running again. Truman was reelected for a second term during the Korean War which makes him extremely unpopular. Although Truman is eligible to run for a third term, he chooses to retire from presidency -
Eisenhower is the first president restricted to two terms
Republicans were the ones to push for the term limit. However it was a Republican President who first fell under the amendment's restrictions. Eisenhower remains popular after serving two terms and many speculated he could have won a third if allowed to. -
Repeal of 22nd is proposed
With Ronald Reagan in his second term and limited from running again, Republican representative Guy Vander Jagt introduces a bill to repeal the 22nd amendment. After reviewing it Congress refuses to act on it and the bill is denied. A similar case occurred during Bill Clinton's second term, several Democrats introduced bills to repeal the amendment. Congress has yet to approve any attempts at repealing the 22nd amendment.