Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency remains a pivotal point in American history, not least because he shattered a long-standing tradition. On November 5, 1940, Roosevelt secured an unprecedented third term, a feat no president before him had achieved, breaking the precedent set by George Washington himself. But Roosevelt didn’t stop there; he went on to win a fourth term in 1944, serving until his death in April 1945. This unprecedented tenure raises a critical question: why did Roosevelt serve three, and ultimately four, terms?
FDR’s extended presidency was a unique confluence of historical circumstances and his own political prowess. He became the first and last president to exceed the two-term limit, a situation directly influenced by the tumultuous times he governed through. As the United States grappled with the lingering effects of the Great Depression and the ominous rise of global conflict leading to World War II, Roosevelt presented himself as a beacon of stability and experienced leadership. While previous presidents had considered a third term, the confluence of domestic and international crises created an environment ripe for Roosevelt’s continued leadership.
Alt text: President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivering a radio address, possibly related to the looming challenges of World War II, highlighting his role as a wartime leader.
Barbara Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, highlights the critical factors at play. “You have economic-domestic issues and you have foreign policy with the outbreak of World War II in 1939,” she explains. Adding to this was Roosevelt’s undeniable political strength. His landslide victory in the 1936 election, where he captured over two-thirds of the popular vote, demonstrated his widespread appeal and cemented his position as a dominant figure in American politics.
However, Roosevelt’s unprecedented tenure didn’t go unchallenged. Concerns about the concentration of power eventually led to legislative action. Two years after FDR’s death, Congress passed the 22nd Amendment, officially limiting presidents to a maximum of two terms. Ratified in 1951, this amendment enshrined term limits into the Constitution, ensuring no future president could serve as long as Roosevelt.
Despite the eventual push for term limits, at the time of his third term bid, Roosevelt faced no constitutional barrier. As Perry notes, “There was nothing but precedent standing in his way.” Yet, this precedent, rooted in George Washington’s decision to step down after two terms, carried significant weight in American political tradition.
Alt text: Educational graphic titled “America 101: Why Do We Have Presidential Term Limits?” visually explaining the concept of presidential term limits in the US system of government.
Presidents Before Roosevelt Who Considered a Third Term
While Roosevelt was the only president to break the two-term tradition successfully, he wasn’t the first to contemplate or attempt a third term. The National Constitution Center points out that the framers of the Constitution largely opposed term limits. Despite numerous proposed amendments between 1796 and 1940 aimed at establishing term limits, none were adopted. Nevertheless, the majority of two-term presidents adhered to Washington’s precedent, choosing not to seek a third term.
Several presidents before Roosevelt, however, did venture into third-term territory, albeit unsuccessfully. Ulysses S. Grant sought a third term in 1880 but failed to secure the Republican nomination, which went to James Garfield. Theodore Roosevelt attempted a third non-consecutive term in 1912 but lost to William Howard Taft. Woodrow Wilson also unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for a third term in 1920. Harry Truman, who succeeded Roosevelt, was president when the 22nd Amendment was passed and was exempt from its limitations. He did campaign for a third term in 1952 but withdrew after a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary.
Roosevelt’s decision to run for a third term in 1940 was heavily influenced by the escalating global crisis. The United States remained officially neutral as World War II raged in Europe, but Roosevelt was keenly aware of the growing threat.
Perry explains Roosevelt’s mindset: “He was trying to guide us along to try to keep Britain afloat with things like lend-lease. That obviously was preying on his mind and he didn’t think that the U.S. should ‘change horses in midstream’ as this war was building towards what he knew would eventually be our full-fledged intervention in both the European and Pacific theaters.” His argument for continuity resonated with a nation facing immense uncertainty.
Roosevelt’s victory in 1940 against Republican Wendell Willkie, while not as overwhelming as his 1936 win, was still decisive. He secured 55 percent of the popular vote and a commanding 449 to 82 electoral vote margin. This victory underscored the public’s confidence in his leadership during a precarious time.
The Republican Opposition and the Rise of Term Limits
Alt text: A poignant color photograph, reportedly the last taken of President Franklin D. Roosevelt at his desk before his death, capturing a moment of presidential leadership during a critical era.
Despite his widespread popularity, Roosevelt’s decision to seek a third term was not without opposition. The National Constitution Center highlights that some key Democratic supporters and advisors distanced themselves from his campaign due to this unprecedented move.
Slogans like “FDR Out at Third” reflected the sentiment of some segments of the population. Perry notes that roughly one-third of Americans, particularly those in business and wealthier individuals, opposed him, fearing his policies were leading the nation towards socialism. Some critics went so far as to avoid mentioning his name, referring to him simply as “That Man.” However, Roosevelt remained confident in his popular support and electoral strength, believing he was the leader best suited to guide the country through the “two greatest catastrophes of the 20th century”—the Great Depression and World War II.
The debate over term limits intensified as Roosevelt sought a fourth term in 1944. Republicans championed the cause, echoing the historical concerns about preventing any individual from accumulating excessive power, reminiscent of tyrannical rule.
Thomas Dewey, Roosevelt’s Republican opponent in 1944, warned in a speech, “Four terms or 16 years is the most dangerous threat to our freedom ever proposed.” Despite these warnings, Roosevelt won his fourth term, defeating Dewey with 54 percent of the popular vote and a 432 to 99 electoral college victory. Tragically, he passed away just 11 weeks into his fourth term on April 12, 1945. His death galvanized the movement for presidential term limits, culminating in the passage of the 22nd Amendment two years later.
The 22nd Amendment enshrined the two-term limit into the US Constitution, stating: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.”
In conclusion, Franklin D. Roosevelt served three terms, and ultimately a fourth, due to a unique combination of factors: the unprecedented crises of the Great Depression and World War II, his immense popularity and political skill, and the absence of constitutional term limits at the time. His breaking of the two-term precedent, while initially controversial, was seen by many as necessary leadership during extraordinary times. However, it also sparked a national conversation about presidential power, ultimately leading to the 22nd Amendment and solidifying the two-term limit as a cornerstone of American democracy.
