Franklin D. Roosevelt Served Three Full Terms
Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only president of the United States to serve more than two terms. He was elected in 1932, 1936, and 1940, and he began a fourth term in January 1945. He died in April 1945, early in that fourth term.
Why the 22nd Amendment Limits Presidents to Two Terms
After Roosevelt's death, Congress proposed the 22nd Amendment to prevent any future president from serving more than two elected terms. The amendment was ratified in 1951. It states that no person can be elected president more than twice, and a person who succeeds to the office and serves more than two years of another president's term can only be elected once.
Key Facts About Roosevelt's Three-Term Presidency
Roosevelt led the country through the Great Depression and most of World War II. His three full terms reshaped the role of the federal government in the economy and in global affairs. For more details on presidential term limits and U.S. history, visit National Archives: 22nd Amendment.
