Limitation of Presidential Terms Ratified
February 27th, 1951
February 27th, 1951

How Long Ago?
74 years, 16 days ago
Location
United States
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Harry S. Truman
Links & References
Tags
Limitation of Presidential Terms Ratified
The Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, limiting presidents to two terms in office. This amendment was a response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's four-term presidency, aiming to prevent any future president from holding office for an extended period. Proposed by Congress in 1947, the amendment was ratified by the required number of states, emphasizing a commitment to democratic principles and the desire to maintain a rotation in leadership.
FDR's four-term presidency sparked concerns.
Amendment proposed in 1947 by Congress.
Required ratification by 38 states.
Established term limits for U.S. presidents.
What Happened?
The ratification of the Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution was a significant constitutional change, establishing a two-term limit for U.S. presidents. The impetus for this amendment stemmed largely from the unprecedented four-term presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served from 1933 until his death in 1945. Roosevelt's long tenure raised concerns about the implications of such extended executive power on American democracy.
The amendment was proposed by Congress on March 21, 1947, and it required ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures to take effect. The debate on the amendment centered on the balance between democratic governance and the potential for a concentration of power in one individual. Supporters argued that term limits would prevent any one person from becoming too powerful, while opponents raised concerns about limiting the electorate's choice.
By February 27, 1951, the necessary 38 states had ratified the amendment, ensuring its adoption. This action transformed the political landscape and institutionalized the principle that no individual should hold the presidency for more than two consecutive terms, thereby promoting a healthy political succession and safeguarding democratic processes. The amendment has since shaped the expectations of presidential tenure in the United States.
Why Does it Matter?
The Twenty-second Amendment is interesting because it reflects the evolving perceptions of power and democracy in the United States. By enshrining term limits into the Constitution, it ensured that future presidents would not be able to dominate the office for extended periods, promoting regular political change. This amendment set a precedent for the expectations of presidential conduct and has maintained the integrity of American democratic values.
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