Presidential Terms - Why Presidents Can Serve 2 Terms By Tom Murse Updated August 23, 2016. The number of presidential terms is limited to two under the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution , which reads in part: "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." Presidential terms are four years each, meaning the most any president can serve in the White House is eight years. The amendment defining limits on presidential terms was approved by Congress on March 21, 1947, during the administration of President Harry S. Truman . It was ratified by the states on Feb. 27, 1951. Presidential Terms Not Defined in Constitution The Constitution itself did not limit the number of presidential terms to two, though many early presidents including George Washington imposed such a limit on themselves. Many argue that the 22nd Amendment merely put on paper the unwritten tradition held by presidents of retiring after two terms. There is an exception, however.

Before the ratification of the 22nd Amendment, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected to four terms in the White House in 1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944. continue reading below our video Overview of the Executive Branch Roosevelt died less than a year into his fourth term, but he is the only president to have served more than two terms. Presidential Terms Defined In 22nd Amendment The relevant section of the 22nd Amendment defining presidential terms reads: "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 President more than once." When Presidents Can Serve More Than Two Terms American presidents are elected for four-year terms. While the 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two full terms in office, it also allows for them to serve two years at most of another president's term. That means the most any president can serve in the White House is 10 years.

Conspiracy Theories About Presidential Terms During President Barack Obama's two terms in office, Republican critics occasionally raised the conspiracy theory that he was trying to mastermind a way to win a third term in office . Obama fueled some of those conspiracy theories, though, by saying he could have won a third term if he were allowed to seek it. “I think if I ran, I could win. But I can’t. There’s a lot that I’d like to do to keep America moving. But the law is the law, and no person is above the law, not even the president,” Obama said during his second term. Obama said he believed the office of the president should be "continually renewed by new energy and new ideas and new insights. And although I think I am as good of a president as I have ever been right now, I also think that there comes a point where you don't have fresh legs." The rumors of a third Obama term begin even before he had won his second term. Just before the 2012 election , subscribers to one of former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich 's email newsletters warned readers that the 22nd Amendment would be wiped from the books.

"The truth is, the next election has already been decided. Obama is going to win. It's nearly impossible to beat an incumbent president. What's actually at stake right now is whether or not he will have a third-term," wrote an advertiser to subscribers of the list. Over the years, though, several lawmaker have proposed repealing the 22n Amendment, to no avail. Why the Number of Presidential Terms Is Limited Congressional Republicans proposed the constitutional amendment banning presidents from serving more than two terms in response to Roosevelt's four election victories. Histories have written that the party felt such a move was the best way to invalidate the popular Democrat's legacy. "At the time, an amendment limiting presidents to two terms in office seemed an effective way to invalidate Roosevelt's legacy, to discredit this most progressive of presidents," wrote professors James MacGregor Burns and Susan Dunn in The New York Times. Opposition to Presidential Term Limits Some congressional opponents of the 22nd Amendment argued that it restricted voters from exercising their will. As Democratic U.S. Rep. John McCormack of Massachusetts proclaiming during a debate over the proposal: "The framers of the Constitution considered the question and did not think they should tie the hands of future generations. I don't think we should.

Although Thomas Jefferson favored only two terms, he specifically recognized the fact that situations could arise where a longer tenure would be necessary." One of the most high-profile opponents of the two-term limit for presidents was Republican President Ronald Reagan , who was elected to and served two terms in office. In a 1986 interview with The Washington Post, Reagan lamented the lack of focus on important issues and the lame ducks presidents became when their second terms began. "The minute the '84 election is over, everybody starts saying what are we going to do in '88 and focusing a spotlight" on potential presidential candidates," Reagan told the newspaper. Later, Reagan expressed his position more clearly. "In thinking about it more and more, I have come to the conclusion that the 22nd Amendment was a mistake," Reagan said. "Shouldn't the people have the right to vote for someone as many times as they want to vote for him? They send senators up there for 30 or 40 years, congressmen the same." Which President Served More Than Two Terms? There is a limit on how long a president can hold the office; however, this limit has not always been law.

One president not only served three terms in office, but was settling into his fourth when he suddenly passed away. If he would have survived, he would have accounted for nearly two decades in the White House. Not many presidents in the past had attempted to serve more than two terms, and although there was no formal legislation, there was something that restrained others from attempting to remain in the position of presidency any longer. Perhaps it was the fact that George Washington did not seek re-election after two terms. Whether that was because he was getting older or because he really felt that a person should not act as president for any longer may not really ever be known. Either way though, he had an impact on the future. One President Served More Than Two Terms The only president to serve more than two terms was Franklin D. Roosevelt . In 1940 he won the election for his third term. Four years later in 1944, he ran again. He became the only president to be elected to a fourth term. However, he was president for only a year into his fourth term before he suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away.

Perhaps he was able to remain president for so long because his country was in a state of turmoil, World War II and the post-depression era, and they wanted a reliable figure to turn to and lead them during one of their weakened times. Known as FDR by many, he will always be remembered for igniting hope in the millions of people in the United States who were suffering from the consequences of the Great Depression. One of his most well known programs was the New Deal , in which he started a chain of events to stimulate the economy. It was successful at first and the economy was booming; however, by 1937, a recession began. He provided money to China and Britain during the war, and gave aid to those countries who were fighting against Nazi Germany. Although he had tried to remain somewhat "neutral" and to allow the rest of the world to do the fighting, he could not resist any longer after December 7, 1941. Once the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor , he convinced the country to join in on World War II. Attempts at Third Terms A few presidents unsuccessfully tried to hold their position for more than eight years.

In 1880, after a three year break from the presidency, Ulysses S. Grant attempted to run again. However, he did not win his party's nomination so he was not even a choice in the final election. About two decades later, Theodore Roosevelt became the president when William McKinley was assassinated . He then served as president from 1901-1909. Three years later, he tried to become the president again; however, he lost to Woodrow Wilson. Future of Multiple Terms In 1947, President Harry S. Truman proposed the Hoover Commission which recommended that no president be allowed to serve more than two terms. One of the reasons for such a proposal was that many people felt that allowing more than two terms would lead to a sort of monarchy. So many lives were lost and so much time and effort were spent fighting in the Revolutionary War to get rid of the monarchy, that the people certainly did not want to revert back to those days. As a result of that proposal, the Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution was formed limiting the number of terms that the president may serve to two.

The amendment was passed by Congress on March 21, 1947, and was ratified on February 27, 1951. List of One-Term U.S. Presidents See also: 5 Wacky Myths About Obama Who are the other one term presidents in the history of the United States? Who are the other modern one term presidents? Why did voters turn their backs on them? Here's a look at America's one term presidents - those who ran for, but lost, re-election - through history. George H. W. Bush, 1989. Hulton Archives 1. George H.W. Bush Republican George H.W. Bush was the 41st president of the United States, serving from 1989 to 1993. He lost a campaign for re-election in 1992 to Democrat William Jefferson Clinton , who went on to serve two full terms. Bush's official White House biography describes his re-election loss this way: "Despite unprecedented popularity from this military and diplomatic triumph, Bush was unable to withstand discontent at home from a faltering economy, rising violence in inner cities, and continued high deficit spending.

In 1992 he lost his bid for reelection to Democrat William Clinton." President Jimmy Carter. Mikki Ansin/Hulton Archive 2. Jimmy Carter Democrat Jimmy Carter was the 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. He lost a campaign for re-election in 1980 to Republican Ronald Reagan , who went on to serve two full terms. Carter's White House biography blames several factors for his defeat, not the least of which was the hostage-taking of U. S. embassy staff in Iran , which dominated the news during the last 14 months of Carter's administration. "The consequences of Iran's holding Americans captive, together with continuing inflation at home, contributed to Carter's defeat in 1980. Even then, he continued the difficult negotiations over the hostages." Iran released the 52 Americans the same day Carter left office. President Gerald Ford. David Hume Kennerly/Hulton Archive 3. Gerald Ford Republican Gerald R. Ford was the 38th president of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977.

He lost a campaign for re-election in 1976 to Democrat Jimmy Carter , who went on to serve one term. "Ford was confronted with almost insuperable tasks," his White House biography states. "There were the challenges of mastering inflation, reviving a depressed economy, solving chronic energy shortages, and trying to ensure world peace." In the end he could not overcome those challenges. President Herbert Hoover. Hulton Archive 4. Herbert Hoover Republican Herbert Hoover was the 31st president of the United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. He lost a campaign for re-election in 1932 to Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt , who went on to serve three full terms. The stock market crashed within months of Hoover's first election in 1928, and the United States plunged into The Great Depression . Hoover became he scapegoat four years later. "At the same time he reiterated his view that while people must not suffer from hunger and cold, caring for them must be primarily a local and voluntary responsibility," his biography reads.

"His opponents in Congress, who he felt were sabotaging his program for their own political gain, unfairly painted him as a callous and cruel President." President William Howard Taft. Buyenlarge 5. William Howard Taft Republican William Howard Taft was the 27th president of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. He lost a campaign for re-election in 1912 to Democrat Woodrow Wilson , who went on to serve two full terms. "Taft alienated many liberal Republicans who later formed the Progressive Party, by defending the Payne-Aldrich Act which unexpectedly continued high tariff rates," Taft's White House biography reads. "He further antagonized progressives by upholding his secretary of the interior, accused of failing to carry out [former President Theodore] Roosevelt's conservation policies." When the Republicans nominated Taft for a second term, Roosevelt left the GOP and lead the Progressives, guaranteeing the election of Woodrow Wilson. President Benjamin Harrison. Stock Montage 6. Benjamin Harrison Republican Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd president of the United States, serving from 1889 to 1893.

He lost a campaign for re-election in 1892 to Democrat Grover Cleveland , who went on to serve two full terms, though not consecutively. Harrison's administration suffered politically after a substantial Treasury surplus evaporated, and prosperity seemed about to disappear as well. The 1890 congressional elections swept in Democrats, and Republican leaders decided to abandon Harrison even though he had cooperated with Congress on party legislation, according to his White House biography. His party renominated him in 1892, but he was defeated by Cleveland. President Grover Cleveland. PhotoQuest 7. Grover Cleveland* *Democrat Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, having served from 1885 to 1889, and 1893 to 1897. So he doesn't technically qualify as a one term president. But because Cleveland is the only president to serve two non-consecutive four-year terms, he holds an important place in U.S. history, having lost his initial bid for re-election in 1888 to Republican Benjamin Harrison .

"In December 1887 he called on Congress to reduce high protective tariffs," his bio reads. "Told that he had given Republicans an effective issue for the campaign of 1888, he retorted, 'What is the use of being elected or re-elected unless you stand for something?'" President Martin Van Buren. Hulton Archive 8. Martin Van Buren Democrat Martin Van Buren served as the eighth president of the United States, serving from 1837 to 1841. He lost a campaign for re-election in 1840 to Whig William Henry Harrison , who died shortly after taking office. "Van Buren devoted his inaugural address to a discourse upon the American experiment as an example to the rest of the world. The country was prosperous, but less than three months later the panic of 1837 punctured the prosperity," his White House biography reads. "Declaring that the panic was due to recklessness in business and overexpansion of credit, Van Buren devoted himself to maintaining the solvency of the national Government." Still, he lost re-election. President Quincy Adams. Hulton Archive 9.

John Quincy Adams John Quincy Adams was the sixth president of the United States, serving from 1825 to 1829. He lost a campaign for re-election in 1828 to Andrew Jackson after his Jacksonian opponents accused him of corruption and public plunder - "an ordeal," according to his White House biography, "Adams did not easily bear." President John Adams. Hulton Archive 10. John Adams Federalist John Adams , one of America's Founding Fathers, was the second president of the United States, having served from 1797 to 1801. "In the campaign of 1800 the Republicans were united and effective, the Federalists badly divided," Adams' White House biography reads. Adams lost his re-election campaign in 1800 to Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson . Don’t feel too sorry for one-term presidents. They get the same nice presidential retirement package as two-term presidents including a yearly pension, a staffed office, and several other allowances and benefits. In 2016, Congress passed a bill that would have cut the pensions and allowances given to former presidents.

However, President Barak Obama, soon to be a former president himself, vetoed the bill . President Obama Could get 3 Terms if H.J.Res 15 Abolishes Term Limits | Restoring Liberty You are so right James!!! fatman45 @facebook-1210553835:disqus Yes, he knows exactly what Obama has done to the country, and he wants him to continue it until it is completed. “It” being the “fundamental transformation” of the United States into a communist dictatorship! jlf0210 It’s gonna be a street war and I’ll put my money that the White’s will win. phukk rightwing trash KEEP WATCHING FOX “news” AND GET BACK TO CHURCH AND GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY— oh nooooooooooo– communism!!! I thought Obama was socialist?? pleeeeeeeez make up your small dicked minds,,,ok rightwing trash??? RWFG Church only asks for 10% – Obama wants 50% to 70% of income just to buy votes for the libtard party. It is the Chavez Model of government. I don’t expect you to understand.

Chances are, you never graduated High School, but still you get a vote. LOL that’s irony. phukk rightwing trash funny,,,I guess my college and going to real estate school and several stock/option/commodity classes ( paid by me; around 45 K for all) doesn’t qualify me to be in your incredible intellect “league”…..nonetheless: I cleared 88K last yr as a self employed chef; and I pay very small taxes as I am “stupid” enough to know how to (A) write everything off (B) 85% of my business is CASH,,,(C) Im sooooo stoooopid I don’t BUY anything I don’t need; ergo my investments pay me handsomely while cretins such as U pay bigger taxes then cry about it– RWFG You win joker of the day. phukk rightwing trash awwwww–the rightwing puddy cat: he fall down and go BOOM!!! poor lil rightwing trash,,,,,,having a BLACK president!!! ,,,and a baboon can cook?

Funny- U cant ( mean REAL cooking / garnishing/ owning a profitable business) sounds like U are another “tommy timecard/larry lunchbucket” ,,,and skirt taxes? dat beeee what the wealthy REPUBS do!!! yep- I keep as much as I can; whereas YOUR beggar job LETS U HAVE SOME OF WHAT U “WORKED” FOR— but when pee holes such as your idols ( see: MASSIVE corporations ET AL) pay NO taxes,,,, in your fractured mirror mind its OK— HEY!!! hows that working for U mr “work for someone else”??? I win JOKER as that –in my hand– trumps your 2pair of 2’s. Im a well off athletic JOKER who knows how to LIVE delightfully with NO fiscal worries— U are a decaying proletariat crybaby who can only WISH he had what it takes to run a successful business- keep on snding that which is evident of your bavardage He knows…and he is all in favor of it!

phukk rightwing trash yep– he got us out of the TWO wars your white texas boy dragged us into,,, he got equal pay for women,,, he got equal rights for ALL americans,,–not just decaying atavistic white trash such as you– ( NOTE: Im white),,,,,he got better benefits for US veterans,,, stopped us from going into a republican engendered depression,,,,, saved OUR US auto industry ….has us relying on LESS foreign oil than good ol boy BUSH,,, but the pooooor white trash in America simply cannot handle a black man as leader!!! KEEP WATCHING FOX “news” AND KEEP LISTENING TO PALIN,,,,BACHMANN,,,,HANNITY,,,, MALKIN,,,,, ROVE— great choices there!!! jkpalmdale It has never even made out of Committee the other dozen times this Rep proposed it under Bush and Clinton it wont, this is the same thing this rep has done since 01, never before has it gotten a committee hearing or vote Bob2002 Yea, that is because (unlike Reid in the Senate) Boehner let it come up for review. This clearly shows where Boehner’s loyalties lie.

He is an Obama OBOT and needs to be defeated in 2016. Are you listening Ohio? But it must be and has to be stopped, at all costs. phukk rightwing trash so go ahead and TRY 2 stop him,,,,, I want to see the secret service visit u just as they did that idiot ted nugent— Winona Wacker The fools who proposed this disgusting idea should be dragged out and horse-whipped in front of everyone on the street! This would not only open the door to a life-time presidency of the worst, most evil person this country has ever sent to Washington, but it would definitely mean the end of our magnificent country! One thing we do NOT need is a third term for Obama! It is bad enough to look forward to 2016 with the possibility of having Hillary run–again–but the very thought of Obama gaining a third term chills one to the bone! Anyone, but ANYONE, in either the House or the Senate,who tries to change the Constitution to pander their ideas to someone, should be summarily removed from their position and sent away in disgrace!

The Constitution is the ALL, the ONLY law this nation needs, and it must not be touched unless the intent is to confirm its wisdom further, and further strengthen it! Chuck Unless you do more than talk, such amendment to the Constitution has a real chance of being approved by the states. You and everyone you can muster had better start rattling cages and letting state governments know you strongly disapprove of such an amendment. jkpalmdale It would never be ratified by the states. and this guy has introduced this about a dozen times even under Bush and Clinton sam Yes, but the demographics have and are changing fast, as Hispanics are becoming a major voting force. Yeah and everyone said he would never be re-elected. As long as he continues to make promises to the gravy train crowd/free ride crowd, he will absolutely get re-elected if this repeal happens. jkpalmdale It has to pass both houses by 2/3 and 2/3 States have to ratify it. It wont happen does the word steal come to mind jkpalmdale They will not be able to steal this.

Debbie Lass please stop trying to educate stupidity that refuses to even do a LITTLE research themselves to be informed…for god sakes…its a losing battle for you…..let them have their insane fear without factual basis and conspiracy theories their fauz news has fed them like lemmings who cant think for themselves! they will be happier than when you try to change their false reality to true reality…. It should, do you seem to remember that Obama is still the president. subvet Actually, it’s 3/4 of the State legislatures that have to approve it after 2/3 of both houses of Congress. Even better! jlf0210 but if we lose the house in 2014, because he is gonna steal it through his election committee he is putting together, must not be left to chance,…because we know what he is trying to do samhille Thank you for knowing FACTS. Most folks don’t. Tim the gravy train is two sides.

there are entitlements as the GOP calls them for the poor, and there are “TAX CODES” that are nothing more than entitlements for the GOP’s rich friends which actually cost us more in taxes lost than the entitlements cost in spending RWFG So a small business is the GOP’s “rich friends?” – or you must be speaking about the mega corps that donated millions to Obama… Look at it this way; if regressive dems weren’t so busy spending other people’s money, we wouldn’t need tax-breaks because taxes would be far lower. Shush yourself, MSDNC…I mean MSNBC parrot. You’re embarrassing your propagandist. simmy1029 The problem with comments is so many people think they know something when they really don’t. You better check out how the “rich” are making out under the Oblamer. Think you might be surprised. the Constitution allows Amending through a few processes … Let me break it down for you There are essentially two ways spelled out in the Constitution for how to propose an amendment. One has never been used. The first method is for a bill to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each.

Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments, such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the bill to be approved as an amendment (for example, see the 21st and 22nd). The second method prescribed is for a Constitutional Convention to be called by two-thirds of the legislatures of the States, and for that Convention to propose one or more amendments. These amendments are then sent to the states to be approved by three-fourths of the legislatures or conventions. This route has never been taken, and there is discussion in political science circles about just how such a convention would be convened, and what kind of changes it would bring about. Regardless of which of the two proposal routes is taken, the amendment must be ratified, or approved, by three-fourths of states. There are two ways to do this, too. The text of the amendment may specify whether the bill must be passed by the state legislatures or by a state convention. Amendments are sent to the legislatures of the states by default.

Only one amendment, the 21st, specified a convention. In any case, passage by the legislature or convention is by simple majority. The Constitution, then, spells out four paths for an amendment: Proposal by convention of states, ratification by state conventions (never used) Proposal by convention of states, ratification by state legislatures (never used) Proposal by Congress, ratification by state conventions (used once) Proposal by Congress, ratification by state legislatures (used all other times) It is interesting to note that at no point does the President have a role in the formal amendment process (though he would be free to make his opinion known). He cannot veto an amendment proposal, nor a ratification.

This point is clear in Article 5, and was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in Hollingsworth v Virginia (3 US 378 [1798]): Now to put things even simpler … will the Bill garner 2/3 support in the House … NO will the Bill garner 2/3 support in the Senate … NO the fact this gentleman has introduced this very same Resolution under the previous 2 Presidents NUMEROUS TIMES … and he could NOT even get a co sponsor to help it get it out of committee … (( pretty much dead on arrival )) Johee Hynes I like how you shut down everyones argument here, thank you jkpalmdale Thanks. Not to mention this guy has been trying to pass this bill under several previous Presidents. Susanm We the People will never let this happen. There will be a war, and it won’t look good. Who does Obama think he is. No way in hell would this happen. he will just buy it like he did his election Debbie Lass there was an attempt to repeal the amendment during reagans terms also so he could have a thrid term… We won’t ratify an amendment in NC.

I know too many of the Senators well enough to know they won’t go for such a thing…especially not for Obama to be able to run again. Ryan It should be noted that fair portions of the Constitution are dedicated to explaining the process of changing the Constitution. “Confirm its wisdom” is entirely subjective. It didn’t originally address the prohibition of slavery, universal suffrage, or a term limit for president. David Vrotney The remedy for the destruction of our magnificent Country is nowhere in sight. And the fact that people are shocked about this proves no one comprehends the gravity of our situation.The action necessary for the salvation of our Country will not be taken, or if it is, it will be way too late! EAC No, they and all the other leftist elitist liberal politicians with their enabling media collaborators should be crucified upside down on a desert mountaintops in southern Arizona during July when it’s 120+ degrees! I am quite sure this will pass and Obama is the man of lawlessness spoken of in scripture. the antichrist. America is finished.

phukk rightwing trash yes,,,America is finished with small dicked LOSER policies of idiots such as Reagan/ both bushes,,,,who sold our debt to asia; outsourced our jobs overseas,,,,,,put us MORE wars we don’t need and sent us from surplus to deficit,,,,lets hear it for the Christian rightwing idiots!! Douglas Hoyt Hey Moron, who do you think did more for the funding of the Islamist left wing terrorists, namely BinLaden, than Clinton. Silly Billy funded the training camps of the Bin Laden regime, causing the first attack on US Soil since Pearl Harbor. SO before you go spitting your anti – Republican rhetoric, get some facts straight. Idiot RWFG Agreed, but they should be hung and horse whipped at the same time. phukk rightwing trash hey scumbag,,,,,, since U claim to be a constitution fan,,,,how about the small dicked rightwing trash making illegal “laws” ( against constitution) barring abortion???? cant wait 2 hear your shitbag answer here– U f*cking scumbag— U probably think BUSH was great president,,,,,, OHWAIT– hes white!

Just like a baby killer lover to respond here with nothing more than pre-teen trashy mouth colorful language…grow up phukk rightwing trash yes—- kill unwanted babies— we have enough people on the planet— but U john birch idiots keep living in the past— do U think I care about unborn babies? why don’t U help those WHO ARE ALREADY HERE???? RWFG lol we can tell you voted for OBama. phukk rightwing trash Larry Gillreath Hey Dickwad, Tell me….WHERE in the Constitution does it say that killing the unborn is a “right”!? Go ahead…look it up! Read it with your lips moving until you locate it. We’re all waiting for your answer. Well, I’ll check back in a couple of weeks to see if you even bothered to admit that it isn’t in there! phukk rightwing trash ummmm,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,geee— “row VS wade” so check back with your retort OK small dicked loser rightwing cretin?? larry G is busy in church– giving his MONEY to the shitbag business (tax exempt of course) whicj makes me laugh my secular agnostic ass off— PRAYING!!!

” praying”,,,,which is just ” please give me what I WANT” jlf0210 Hey IDIOT, MURDER IS NOT CONSTITUTIONAL…POS! phukk rightwing trash ok,,,,so roe VS wade has been overturned??? and if MURDER aint constitutional; explain the deaths of over 4000 americans in foreign wars your Christian BUSH president got us in?? or maybe Lawrence tillers death? rightwing hypoctitical trash— still “tithing” to the phony GOD U made out of some dead jewsish carpenter— LETS HEAR IT FOR SUPERSTITION!! jlf0210 You’re making alot of assumptions and one HATED FILLED angry ass. One of those 4000 deaths included my adopted son. Bush was only one of many presidents that was involved in war.THERE were WMD’s. Dont contribute to murder,…. don’t get pregnant. It’s not birth control you dumb idiot. You better wake up, our liberty’s are being wiped out on a daily basis. YOUR COUNTRY….Obeyme is the biggest liar…4 dead Americans he left to die.

Fast and Furious, HE STATED with his own mouth and even put in print he is Kenyan. HE IS NOT A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN…..do your own research. You think O gives a rats rump about this country/….why has he lied and hid his background???? WHY….?? THOSE 4000 soldiers died to protect this country…they chose to go…as did my son…you won’t have the right to speak like this for long if you keep supporting Obama. I feel sorry for you….everything that is happening was fore told many many years ago….We are well aware of the horrors that await..What was the thing that O said about O care…..he wasn’t going to sign anything that would add ONE RED CENT to the deficeit…..wake up to the lies….he is not concerned about our welfare…he is destroying everything…..One great thing about BUSH…he kept us safe and he went after the ones that did it…and he brought us together….YOU ARE ONE HATE FILLED person….maybe you should be an abortionist since you see no wrong in killing babies.

You like paying all the new taxes coming and the price of food doubling,….thank your president, the hell has just begun…Hide and watch! phukk rightwing trash please chronicle the wmd which were located,,,,,as none were found ( gas doesn’t count) all I can say is keep watching fox news u blithering hate monger Larry Gillreath I now remember, almost nostalgically, back in early 2008, when our main fear was that Hillary would take the White House! I didn’t like Obama, but thought he had no real chance against her. Didn’t realize he was Soros’ hired choreboy! Now we have to possibly fear him or her again in 2016! bogie7129 I used your exact comments in an email to my Congressman. Thanks for putting these words together. Debbie Lass do you even realize what this country was founded on and what freedom means and the constitution of the united states? we dont advocate bringing someone out into the street and punishing them or killing them for merely proposing something you dont like! thats why we are a country of freedom, to be free from that sort of thing done!

get a dman grip….and learn what the heck you are suppose to be advocating for regarding this country and what makes this country great. He cant run, win and serve a third term without congress passing the bill that allows for the amendment…do you know how many amendments have been made since the original constitution? so it isnt the supremeness never to be added to law of the land….they have added amendments before to it, but if you knew history you would know this….in FACT the very amendment…the 22nd one that this article claims someone is trying to amend or overturn was passed after 1945 and is WHY we have it in the first place…what a dumbass you look like ranting how the constitution is THE law of the land not to be changed when the very amendment your bitching to maintain was a change to the constitution after 1945…good lord is any conservative educated anymore??? me You’re an idiot. You actually think that this is a new concept? Certain presidents and congressmen have being trying the get the 22nd amendment repealed since George W was in office. Get you facts straight. Steven Nottingham 22nd amendment is not part of the constitution, but a very important amendment.

Obama already thinks he’s King.. Yes he would destroy what is left. I hope it is a joke. No way he get elected again.. Guest I don’t think it’s going to be lifetime. Remember, if _the people_ want the same president again because looking back at how GOOD THE PRESIDENT IS, they should be allowed to have the decision of reelecting him. Keeping in mind being president isn’t easy and causes stress, so if it’s stressful, why keep going for it? They are not coming, they are already here, serving in the Obama Administration. (r) (d) both crooked Wrong don’t forget about 2004 when Florida was recounted 3 times so that would make this whole century full of fixed elections. Idiots! Bob2002 Believe you have the wrong election. Wasn’t it the 2000 election when Al Gore tried to steal the election (like a typical Democrat)? 2004 was a relatively smooth election. Harold Any representitive who votes for this should be recalled now! We don’t need a dic-tator! Chuck This is an amendment to the Constitution and must be voted on by the states, not the Democrat controlled Congress.

No, the constitution does NOT prohibit secession. jpeters3270 I checked on this resolution. It has been proposed every congress since Ronald Reagan. It has been proposed by Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell as well. Another reason to drum McConnell out of his seat. Yep. And Serrano has proposed this about every year since 1997. It has less chance of passing as Paul Ryan’s Budget passing in the Senate. Bob2002 We can not take the chance on this happening. We were also told Romney was going to win the 2012 election and look at what happened. Stop this kind of useless legislature before it get started. getalife82 Who told u Romney was gonna win the election oh was it fox ‘news’ and then when he didn’t they moved onto the whole fixed election. Right then Sarah Palin was the smartest women in politics. LOL. They’re funny aren’t they. Marc Goldstone Obama is apparently above the Constitution as evidenced by his sitting inthe Oval Office. So why bother repealing the 22’nd amendment as he can get away with violating it also. Chuck You are correct, Marc.

He has said in many different ways, the Constittution is irrelevant and does not apply to him. As it niow stands he does as he likes, so if he wants to run again he will. Whose to stop him? “The Republicans don’t have the guts to try stopping me” he says often and todate he is right. Well Done always the biggest braggart is the most full of sheet. obama would get beat up in a schoolyard today if he started servin’ texasconstitutionista If the GOP allows this damn them all to hell dharris23451 I definitely don’t want Obummer in the WH now let alone another term. But then I wouldn’t want any president serving longer than two terms. Oh – but if a Republican or Independent was in the WH then the Dems would want to go and repeal this ammendment and reinstitue the 22nd. A$$holes dtw1982 Well smart Guy it was proposed for the first time in1985 by a Republican in fact 7 times by the same Republican until 92. 26 times since he started this bill to be exact never once making it to the floor.

Republican or Democrat it doesn’t really matter its not gonna make it far. Jim Three terms! they act like they know without a doubt that he will be reelected, how can that be so, unless it is fixed to make it happen that way, like i believe the second election had been done. EaglemanGT it was fixed once, it can be fixed again. Bob2002 Wrong, it was fixed twice. In 2008 and again in 2012. Vernon Davis Most Americans don’t want Obama to finish his second term. He should be impeached quickly. If a Republican President had done half of the corrupt and illegal stuff that Obama has done they would have been put in jail. America can not survive another 3 1/2 yrs of Obama let alone another four more after this term. Awakened Patriot Obama should most definitely be impeached , but for you to suggest that Bush wasn’t guilty of treason as well demonstrates that you’re not seeing the big picture. Bush and Obama and every president since JFK , and most of them before , have been nothing but puppets to the same bankers that own the Federal Reserve and Wall Street.

You need to wake up and realize that partisan politics is just part of the strategy to keep us from seeing the whole truth , that nearly all of our politicians have sold us out , democrat and republican . Until you realize this fact you’re part of the problem , just the blind followers of Obama. There’s no way 38 states would ratify it Well Done Not sure about the history of such resolutions, but it does seem odd this would be proposed just as the Obama administration is finding serious pushback for its anti-gun, pro-gay, anti-American agenda. I don’t know if you’re implying anti-gun and pro-gay equals anti-American, but either way, it’s wrong. JaniceSix Obviously they believe that an additional term of Obama will most certainly finish off America! This is just horrendous and stunningly sickening!! CincinnatiRIck Well there’s no need for a repeal of the Term Limit Amendment. Obama can just have Michelle run. Like Bill pushed Hilary to run. It’s worked elsewhere. Argentina’s dictators do it all the time…both Peron and Kirchner. oh, and idiocy, don’t forget that. EaglemanGT Hey look everyone!

A low information voter has found their way to the chat, unfortunatly they must be illiterate as well as uninformed and can only degrade everybody here. Spoken like a true uninformed liberal democrat Alyson Mercer-Gandor. I bet this person think Guns kill people too. hahahhaha Disgusted But she’s all about equality… She can’t be all bad… Mr_Massa Please get out of the people’s office, we really don’t like what you’ve done to this country. Please feel free to drag other bought and paid for scum from both sides of the aisle as you leave… Lizelot Hv we lost all common sense at last? Shows how desperately we need to reconsider our current voting system that allows the likes of congressman Serrano to get elected. Plus, how does this kind of foolishness get put on the agenda for “discussion”? Based on the name Serrano perhaps? Here we are with a multi trillion Ntl debt and rising, an uptick in foodstamp recipients, a stagnant economy, waning respect around the globe, and somebody wants to extend this misery?! marylou Why would anyone want THIRD TERM for the worst president ever?

Beware the fools that are promoting this…because it is unbelievable…they have deceived us before…fraud voting at work can accomplish additional disasters! Disgusted Not only no, but hell no! Look at the damage he has done in one term and plans to do in this current term. NO! What idiot is purposing this, probably Mr O himself. Mr O who wants to be king. NO! Mr O should be IMPEACHED for what he has already done to this great country. dz Bills like this have been proposed a bunch of times over the last couple decades, and always failed. Do you really think it would be different THIS time? Also, even if it DID pass, the president must still be elected every four years. MrChicken Are you kidding. Obama doesn’t need to repeal the 22nd amendment, he is going to declare Martial law. Denis G.

Cowles C’mon people this has been proposed in every congress since 1986 and that proposal came from a Republican trying to make it possible for Reagan to get a 3rd term and although it has been proposed more times since by Democrats the latest and longest by José Serrano it has never made it past the proposition phase and has never even made it to committee and isn’t really worth our time and wont ever get voted on and Joe Miller should know this and most likely does. This type of fear mongering serves no purpose other than to derail us from what is more important. Stardust1k Serrano has introduced the very same proposal to Congress every two years since 1997 (a total of nine times), regardless of which party was currently occupying the White House and starting well before Barack Obama became involved in national politics. On the first two occasions (in 1997 and 1999) the incumbent president was a Democrat (Bill Clinton); the next four occasions (2001, 2003, 2005, and again in 2007), were after the election of a Republican (George W. Bush). Rep.

Serrano’s 2013 bill is the third time he has proposed that same legislation to Congress since the election of Barack Obama, following similar efforts in 2009 and 2011. getalife4real it was first proposed in 80s during the Reagan and bush administrations.26 times since 1985 its not Republican Democrat issue it’s running out of issues to cry about. The bill was proposed 4months ago on January 4th and has never made it to the floor anytime it was proposed and won’t again. Maybe Jose doesn’t know WHY terms were limited. The 22nd ammendment is too important to treat so lightly. Would he be as enthusiastic about someone like President Rand Paul having 3 terms?. wrongheifer Absolutely NOT! Fubarjoe Oh so Monkeyboy wants another 4 years. He wants another chance to steal another election. He is an illegal alien, and shouldn’t be in the white house to begin with. His puppet masters must want him to finish what the communist FDR started. FDR did not do anything but institute socialist programs. His white house, cabinet and political appointments where infested with communist agents.

“I never met a communist, I didn’t like”. Was his saying. He did nothing to get America out of the depression, that was caused by the Federal Reserve System. His secret policies led us to war. He knew Pearl Harbor was going to be attacked. He instigated it, by his backdoor deals, he knew the Japanese would never accept. He murdered 2400 men at Pearl. This, so he and Winston could have another war with Germany. What did it cost the United States, 460,000 dead. A debt that still has not been paid off. Only bankers benefit. Their sons and daughters do not have to do the bleeding. Aren’t we all tired of foreign involvements in Iraq, Afghanistan, and it looks like Iran, and North Korea next. How come the “axis” of evil is all countries that appose the New World Order”, or who do not want to hold US dollars as oil reserve currency to buy oil? Are we going to let this criminal government shove a NWO down our throats, or are we going to fight back. Obamination is going to finish what FDR started.

I live in Connecticut and my state Representatives along with the Governor just passed a strict Unconstitutional gun grabbing, anti 2nd amendment laws. These traitors everyone should be hung by their arrogant necks until dead. Local, state and Fed Government are becoming the real enemies and terrorists of the United States. They say we are the domestic terrorists, I say they are. Our blood will not be the only blood flowing in the streets of this late great country. Push back when pushed, and send them all to hell!! Questionman2 Damn, whoever wrote this is a disgsuting hateful demeanted racist piece of crap! The GOP has done NOTHING but obstruct every attempt at repairing the damage THEY did to the economy. They will happily destroy the middle class in order to make President Obama look bad. You don’t have actual concrete evidence that Obama is trying to destroy America and help Islamists! The world is fine! France is fine, Japan is fine, Germany is Fine. You are a idgsuting a-hole to claim Obama has destroyed this world when nothing he’s done affected other countries. Just joining the bandwagon of blaming everything on the black man in office!

I don’t believe he’s a narcissist or evil, or gay (but judging by michelle’s shoulders he may well be haha), he’s definitely not a marxist/communist tho he’s slightly more left wing than previous US presidents have been, that I admit! He’s definitely not ‘illegal’, he’s a natural born US citizen. He’s not a dictator, he hasn’t managed to achieve much because he doesn’t have much power, checks and balances, you know, He’s not a muslim, he’s just not particularly anti-islam! He is not an actual Muslim, he won the election fair and square. There is NO case of voter fraud mosin tom There’s plenty of evidence that the economy IS being destroyed under the Obama administration. I don’t think it’s so much design as it is incompetence. Disgusted You might want to check your sources for your “facts”. I also find it funny that he’s a “black man” in office. He could be a purple man in office and that doesn’t change a thing about what he has done (or not done) for this country. I love how liberals make it seem that any time someone says something bad about obama it is because they are a racist.

Because all you people see is color Sick of this Bullsh%t The word “racism” has become a word of convenience.People love to throw it out there when someone’s viewpoint doesn’t match theirs to try and negate what that person has to say from the start – eve when it has merit. Tim Cox Even if this passed it would not give Obama a third term unless a miracle occurs. It requires 75% of the States to ratify it within 7 years. Prior to its complete ratification it can not be implemented which puts it outside the 2016 elections. Tired José Serrano has purposes this before and it didn’t pass. I don’t see any republicans voting for it anyway. But I will be calling my reps none the les! wlllbjr5 The reason we are where we are at now is because Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected as President to “4” terms. Fortunately he died early in his 4th term or we would be going thru what we are going thru now many, many, many years ago with his “New Deal” Plan.

Unfortunately, I have come to the conclusion that the only way we are going to get our country back to America’s Constitutional Value’s is to elect a fully Conservative President to “Four Full Terms” followed by a “two term” fully conservative President. Electing ” ‘ Fraud prez bam ‘ ” to another term would cause “outright denigration” of America as our “Founding Fathers” framed our Constitution! David Rader I had heard about this idea years ago that I believe it was Bush, Sr who thought it would be a good idea. But even he knew that there should never be more than two terms allowed for a President. This just makes me sick to think that this could happen. For once I am supporting all Republicans in getting this stopped. pmshop Quit freaking people out Joe. Serrano has proposed this every two years since 1997 and has failed. Representative Serrano must be targeted for defeat in 2014, we can not afford to allow this Communist to return to office. jkpalmdale This Rep has introduced this many times even under Pres Bush an Clinton. It wont pass just like it has not passed the other ten times or so he has introduced it. SanityFeeder Um.

Rep Serrano has proposed this resolution every 2 years since 1997. Which would have made Bill Clinton, and George W Bush “President for Life” (NOT) under those circumstanced. Nobody bought it. Nobody blinked. But now that the Big Scary Black Man is in the White House you think it’s some kind of freakin conspiracy? Slow news day? Ugashik I knew this b…..d was going to try and do this!! NO WAY! If anyone in the Congress goes along with this there is going to be more trouble than they bargained for I believe! By the time that son of a gun gets done with 8 years we will be lucky to have a country left! The liberals need to be hit more in the pocket book by him soon in order for them to even attempt to wake up! People need to start writing letters to their elected officials and let them know what they think about this and keep writing them! There is no way they can let this go through!!! We are doomed the way it is with the way Obama is destroying this nation right now!! Lou Ellen Brown This is news only to those who do not read beyond what is posted on their opening page of FaceBook.

There are numerous stories about the man who entered the bill last year, and Obama’s third term is spoken derisively in several articles I have saved to my computer. The chances of it happening are slim to none, as I did some searching as soon as I stopped screaming NOOOOOOOOOOO! Anadara Rep. José Serrano (D- NY15) … Just another Marxist from the occupied territories. ObamasHotFlies I would hope that if it came to Obama and a 3rd term that we Constitutional Conservatives would make sure it would never happen. It’s time to stop what Congress won’t stop. We the people just may need to follow in our forefathers footsteps. Congress isn’t working for us. Our forefathers would have been in war by now and we sit idly by like fools. Obama is stealing everything he can from us we let him. It’s a sad time for man. AkBlue For all the negative commentators- News websites, like Restoring Liberty, are simply there to spread word of what’s currently happening in the US/World. Regardless of whether this will pass, or how many times it has tried to pass in the past- it’s once again, currently being brought forward.

The article is there simply to inform. America has successfully given Obama the two terms he’s gotten thus far, if the resolution were to pass what’s stopping those voters from doing it again? Nonkoolaid Drinker Has anyone here bothered to verify this claim? Do a web search for H.J.Res 15…and on a government website, I find the summary of the bill, proposed by Rep Dana Rohrabacher…A REPUBLICAN…to amend the constitution to allow a person who wasn’t naturally born here but has been a citizen for 20 years minimum to run for President. As predicted the article is bullshit. You are being sold a lie…a blatant lie. Now ask yourself who would just make up such stupid crap and if they would make up something so easily refuted, what else do you believe that is just as untrue? Skepticism is your friend. KennethDeWitJr THIS IS TREASON! BenDoubleCrossed Someone needs to take this fool Sen Rep. José Serrano (D-) out- and at the same time take out Obongo to make sure !

Dmc3217 this is fake dtree do we only have idiots running our country or did they fall out of the stupid tree and say lets fuck up america more, and see what happens. (impeachment??? why isnt it getting talked about more and why are we waiting around for him to turn us into a 3rd world country??) dtw1982 To be exact its a bill that’s been proposed 26 times since 1986 and was proposed on January 4th so I guess he’s running out of junk to spat about. Its never made it to the floor Constitutionalist101 Its funny reading all these people talk about “you cant change the constitution” blah blah blah, when it was a change to the constitution that set the 2 term limit to begin with. It was never a part of the constitution until 60 years ago.. In no way do I want Obama for another term, and I like the 2 term thing, Its just an FYI.. Shaun Vaughn Whats weird is how you say people were shocked.

I mean really how were people shocked when its by the same guy who tried to pass this 5 other times with 4 of them being during the Bush era. no not blaming Bush so dont get all crazy for the reference. This guy could care less about it being a democrat or republican. if anyone was shocked it means they dont follow politics as much as they think they do. Steve …I believe Obama has earned one more term… I think life without possibility of parole, at hard labor, would be appropriate… russkaya Kim Leland This is a resolution, not a bill, and this same moron has proposed it every stinking year since sometime in the Bush administration if not longer. It has all the importance of dog poop and apparently, is being noticed and written about for no reason at all, as it made the rounds about three months ago as well. It must be a very slow news cycle for Joe Miller. Note the date, please. January 21, 2013. My question becomes what is being hidden? littlepat That is the stupidest thing I’ver ever heard. That n-g-er is lucky he lived through the first 30 days let alone get re-elected.

If he tries for a 3rd term he is really pushing his luck! We are not going to stand for it. This will definitely start a revolution! Obama is Hitler’s understudy Why are they shocked? Because none of the News (term used loosely) broadcasts have covered Obama’s efforts to have the Amendment repealed…those of us that can read have known it since he first started the paper rolling. Patrick McKinnion Joe Miller didn’t bother to notice that Rep. Serrano has introduced the same bill in 1997 [HJR 19], 1999 [HJR 17], 2001 [HJR 4], 2003 [HJR 11], 2005 [HJR 9], 2007 [HJR 8], 2009 [HJR 5], and 2011 [HJR 17]. So why the freakout now? Del Bazemore OH HELL NO! Who in their right mind would want this total wonderfucktard of a person for 12 years!!

These people MUST be on crack or some other Dope weed to even think of doin’ something as RE-TARD like this. If that clown is re-elected yet AGAIN, you can kiss this Nation goodbye..for good. Sam Obama got by ramming his health care crap down our throat he pretty much does whatever he wants with or without approval of Congress. If there ever was a president who would try to do this it will be this idiot we have in there now. Wouldn’t surprise me in the least if it happen. Get Educated Totally BS article. Look on Snopes. Rep Serrano has been bringing this up every 2 years since 1997, no matter if a democrat is in the white house, or a republican. This is such non-news. duke I highly doubt if this was real it would even make a difference. If this country wanted to reelect obombya it would be the end of America. I doubt this will happen Winona your comment is hilarious! Scary & true, a 3rd term will be the death of us! Wayne Leach We have a multitude of domestic enemies among us – and the highest percentage within any specific group is in our central government.

Larry @phukk rightwing trash…let me see where do I begin…..hmmmmm you are obvious the smartest man on the planet. Since you say you are self employed and make $88,000 a year you must be pretty well off and a Ladies man to boot well should we be impressed….NOT ON YOUR FUCKING LIFE. If you were so well off and educated you would understand how our political system works and realize the Whole political scene in Washington is crooked on both sides of the fence. Personally I don’t care if you are purple and want to be President, if you do not meet the requirements ( and it has been proven time and time again Obama is not) then get out of our white house. You obviously are more learned than the rest of us about Obama……. share with us the real truth about this individual….like why was he given the chance to resign from the law firm him and Michele worked for before they pressed charges against him for extortion and various other crimes. Before you start slinging crap every where you need to plant a garden because what you are raising does not smell like a bed of roses.

And oh by the way…you having the freedom to say what you want to whomever you want is a freedom I spent 20 years defending just so you could make a jackass out of your ignorant self…. and your welcome. So tuck your ass under the rock you crawled out of and shut your pie hole. i really don’t think it will pass- too many senators and congressmen want to keep their jobs. aaheart They must first repeal the Titles of Nobility Amendment that was ratified by Virginia in 1819 making it the 13th Amendment by a majority of the states in the union at the time it was passed by Congress. The Titles of Nobility Amendment stated that titles conferred, such as “your honor” and “esquire” would deny citizenship and eligibility for public office. That would eliminate Obama from the Presidency…he could still be the CEO of the Federal Territories, but at least the facade would be lifted. It would also eliminate most of the Congress and possibly the Supreme Court so a total shake up of government in the US would be possible.

It would also excise many of the repressive laws that have taken the united States of America into a Federal dictatorship and remove subsequent amendments that have served to diminish State Sovereignty to less that that of the Federal Government. New amendments would have to be passed and ratified to replace useful amendments but the 14th Amendment which established citizenship of Federal Territories under occupation of Federal Troops would be gone, Federal Reserve would be gone, debts incurred under the repressive Federal regime would be gone as illegal and under duress. MichaelZWilliamson The idiot proposes this every couple of years. And even if it made it through supermajorities in House and Senate, it would have to be ratified by 3/4 of the states to be an Amendment. Which will never happen. “Resolution” means dick. Smith NOT A CHANCE IN HELL! He’s going out sooner than later, preferably sooner! All he does is lie! Is this what we want for our country? WAKE THE HELL UP PEOPLE! jkpalmdale The guy that has introduced this bill has been doing it for a long time.

Under Clinton and Bush Tashimee The “man” has a 43% approval rating, do you think the states would really radify it? It wouldn’t suprise me if O didn’t try to say it was radified after a vote in congress, forget the states. That’s if congress passes it. I’m not so sure that would happen. Could Obama be first 3-term president since FDR? — RT America Tags Obama , Law , USA Should the bill become a law, it could allow President Barack Obama to run for reelection yet again in 2016. The bill, H.J. Res. 15, offers “an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second article of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as President.” New York Democratic Rep. Jose Serrano reintroduced the measure on January 4, after it did not make it to a floor vote in January 2011, the Daily Caller reports.

Serrano has attempted to repeal the amendment for decades and proposed similar bills in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007. Rep. Serrano’s initiatives are not dependent on any particular party, since he has tried to get the measure passed under the presidencies of both Democrats and Republicans. But if the bill makes it to the floor for a vote this year, President Obama, a Democrat, might have a chance at a third term in the White House, which would make him the first president to possibly seek a third term since Franklin Roosevelt. Even though a repeal has not made it far in Congress, there have been several attempts at bringing it to the floor, which have garnered support from past presidents and prominent legislators. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) repeatedly proposed repealing the 22nd Amendment while both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were in office, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell tried to repeal it in 1995. In 1989, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) introduced a similar resolution.

Former President Ronald Reagan told Barbara Walters in a 1986 interview that the 22nd Amendment “was a mistake,” while former President Bill Clinton has always believed in the option for a president to seek reelection at a later time – even if he has already served twice. “Shouldn’t a president be able to take two terms, take time off and run again?” Clinton said in an MSNBC interview in November. “I’ve always thought that should be the rule. I think as a practical matter, you couldn’t apply this to anyone who has already served, but going forward, I personally believe that should be the rule.” Repealing the 22nd Amendment has been supported by both Democrats and Republicans, but has never garnered enough votes to go into effect. Congress passed the 22nd Amendment on March 21, 1947. It was ratified by 41 states and rejected by only two. It limits each president to two terms, but did not apply to the sitting president, former President Harry Truman, who withdrew as a candidate for re-election in 1952.

National Constitution Center <iframe width="560" height="315" src="" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Amendment XXII Two-Term Limit on Presidency By Annenberg Classroom *Note: The Interactive Constitution is being developed over the course of the next two years. So far, Amendments 1-15 have Interactive content, and we are working on bringing you Interactive content for this Amendment. In the meanwhile, the interpretation below is supplied by the Annenberg Classroom . Although nothing in the original Constitution limited presidential terms, the nation’s first president, George Washington, declined to run for a third term, suggesting that two terms of four years were enough for any president. Washington’s voluntary two-term limit became the unwritten rule for all presidents until 1940. In that year, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who had steered the nation through the Great Depression of the 1930s, won a third term and was elected in 1944 for a fourth term as well. Following President Roosevelt’s death in April 1945, just months into his fourth term, Republicans in Congress sought passage of Amendment XXII. FDR was the first and only president to serve more than two terms.

Passed by Congress in 1947, and ratified by the states on February 27, 1951, the Twenty-Second Amendment limits an elected president to two terms in office, a total of eight years. However, it is possible for an individual to serve up to ten years as president. The amendment specifies that if a vice president or other successor takes over for a president—who, for whatever reason, cannot fulfill the term—and serves two years or less of the former president’s term, the new president may serve for two full four-year terms. If more than two years remain of the term when the successor assumes office, the new president may serve only one additional term. Advantages & Disadvantages of the 22nd Amendment | Our Everyday Life Advantages & Disadvantages of the 22nd Amendment by Steven Gardner Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms. Related Articles What Is a Direct Primary Election? The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution stipulates that no president shall serve more than two terms in office.

The amendment was passed by Congress in 1947 and ratified by enough states in 1951, following the four elections won by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. No one besides Roosevelt had successfully managed to become president for more than two terms, and few tried. Supporters argue that the amendment keeps America's president from becoming a type of king; critics argue that it limits the president's power during the second term. A President Could Be King Chief among the arguments for a two-term limit for presidents is the idea that a president, more than any other elected official, has the capability of enjoying kingly status that could in essence make the presidency a lifetime appointment. On the other hand FDR's third and fourth elections occurred during times of crisis. Critics say the American people ought to have the right to choose to keep a president who is doing a good job. Presidents Have No Opposition Within the Executive Branch Supporters of the amendment contend the president is the only elected official in the federal government who doesn't have an opposition within the branch. Members of Congress and the Senate do. Supreme Court justices also discuss issues with eight other judges. The president serves alone, and amendment supporters argue that makes the office more prone to insularity.

If a president is guaranteed to be forced out after eight years, the office would change based on the personalities in the office. Critics again contend that the American people should have the right to determine whether the existing president is competent to continue serving. Amendment Creates a Lame Duck Dwight D. Eisenhower, the first U.S. president subject to the amendment, was the first to argue that a president's power is limited during the second term, because no one has to worry that the president will run for office again. On the other hand, amendment supporters argue that will make the president less likely to be tempted to hand out political favors, such as grants and subsidies to swing states, in an effort to get re-elected. Turnover Increases the Training of Potential Presidents In Cuba, of all places, supporters can find an argument for the 22nd Amendment because of the decades-long leadership of Fidel Castro. According to the Jamaica Observer newspaper, Cubans are admitting the country is lacking "a reserve of well-trained replacements with sufficient experience and maturity to undertake the new and complex leadership responsibilities." Having turnover at the top job means more people will be aiming for the top job.

Critics would argue there has never been a shortage of people qualified and willing to take on the job of U.S. president. References V.P. Term Limits - FactCheck.org V.P. Term Limits By Justin Bank Posted on April 16, 2008 Q: Are there term limits for the vice president like there are for the president? Can they only serve two terms, too? A: No. In theory, someone could hold the office indefinitely, but no one has actually served more than two full terms. FULL QUESTION Are there term limits for the vice president like there are for the president? Can they only serve two terms, too? FULL ANSWER There are no official term limits for the office. Article II of the Constitution, which originally gave the terms and conditions that govern the executive branch, did not make any mention of term limits. However, no president pursued more than two terms until Franklin D. Roosevelt did so in 1940.

As we discussed in a previous Ask FactCheck, the 22nd Amendment , ratified in 1951, created guidelines for how long an individual can serve as president, limiting a commander in chief to two full terms, or up to 10 years if a vice president had assumed the presidency and held the top office for less than two years of his or her predecessor’s term. But there are no comparable restraints on the vice presidency. So, in theory, an individual could hold the office as long as he or she wishes. But, in practice, no one has served more than two terms. In fact, most vice presidents have served for less time than that. There have been 46 vice presidents in U.S. history including current office holder Dick Cheney. Only seven have served two complete terms: John Adams, Daniel Tompkins, Thomas Marshall, John Nance Garner, Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush and Al Gore. Cheney is set to become the eighth member of that select group in January 2009. -Justin Bank

Question: Who was the first US President to serve three full terms in office?
Answer: Franklin D Roosevelt