Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) remains a monumental figure in American history, not least because he shattered presidential norms by serving more than two terms. In 1940, he defied a long-standing tradition, initiated by George Washington, becoming the first president elected to a third term. His ambition didn’t stop there; Roosevelt successfully ran for and won a fourth term, commencing on January 20, 1945. This unprecedented feat begs the question: How Many Terms Did Fdr Serve, and what circumstances allowed him to break such a significant presidential precedent?
FDR’s unique tenure as a four-term president is a direct consequence of the extraordinary times in which he led the nation. His successful bid for a third term occurred as the United States grappled with the lingering effects of the Great Depression and the ominous onset of World War II. While previous presidents had considered seeking a third term, the confluence of domestic and international crises provided Roosevelt with a compelling argument for stability and continued leadership.
Alt text: President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivering a radio address, possibly his fireside chat warning of the looming war, emphasizing his leadership during crisis.
Barbara Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, explains the context surrounding FDR’s third-term run. “You have economic-domestic issues and you have foreign policy with the outbreak of World War II in 1939,” Perry notes. Adding to these critical factors was Roosevelt’s undeniable political strength. “And then you have his own political viability—he had won the 1936 election with more than two-thirds of the popular vote.” This immense popular support, combined with the nation’s precarious position, created a unique environment that allowed FDR to overcome the two-term tradition.
The Road to Term Limits: The 22nd Amendment
The unprecedented nature of FDR’s four terms ultimately led to significant changes in the American presidency. Concerned about the potential for abuse of power, particularly after witnessing Roosevelt’s extended tenure, U.S. lawmakers moved to formalize presidential term limits. Two years after Roosevelt’s death in 1945, Congress passed the 22nd Amendment, explicitly limiting presidents to a maximum of two terms in office. This amendment was ratified in 1951, solidifying the two-term limit as a cornerstone of American presidential practice.
However, in 1940, as FDR sought his third term, no legal barrier existed to prevent him. “There was nothing but precedent standing in his way,” Perry clarifies. “But, still, precedent, especially as it relates to the presidency, can be pretty powerful.” Despite the power of tradition, the exceptional circumstances of the era and Roosevelt’s political prowess allowed him to successfully navigate this unwritten rule.
Presidents Who Previously Aimed for a Third Term
While Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only president to have won and served more than two terms, he wasn’t the first to consider or attempt it. The National Constitution Center points out that many of the Constitution’s framers initially opposed term limits. Although numerous amendments proposing term limits were suggested between 1796 and 1940, none were adopted. Despite this, most presidents adhered to George Washington’s precedent of serving no more than two terms.
Several presidents before Roosevelt, however, tested these unwritten boundaries. Ulysses S. Grant, for instance, sought a third term in 1880 but failed to secure the Republican nomination, losing to James Garfield. Theodore Roosevelt, after serving part of William McKinley’s term and then two full terms, attempted to win a third nonconsecutive term in 1912 but was unsuccessful against William Howard Taft. Woodrow Wilson also unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for a third term in 1920. Interestingly, Harry Truman, who succeeded FDR and was president when the 22nd Amendment was passed, was exempt from its provisions. He considered running for a third term in 1952 but withdrew after a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary.
FDR’s Rationale for a Third and Fourth Term
Roosevelt’s decision to pursue a third term, and subsequently a fourth, was heavily influenced by the escalating global crisis. As World War II loomed, and then erupted, FDR argued that the nation needed his experienced leadership to navigate these turbulent times. Even before the United States officially entered the war, Roosevelt was deeply involved in international affairs, striving to support Britain and prepare America for potential conflict.
Perry highlights Roosevelt’s mindset: “He was trying to guide us along to try to keep Britain afloat with things like lend-lease,” she explains. “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.” This sense of duty and the conviction that his leadership was indispensable during a global crisis were central to FDR’s decision to break the two-term precedent.
Despite the historical significance of breaking the two-term precedent, Roosevelt’s third-term victory against Republican Alf Landon in 1936 was overwhelming. His 1940 victory against Wendell Willkie, while less dominant, still resulted in a comfortable 55 percent of the popular vote and a decisive electoral college win of 449 to 82.
Alt text: Final color photograph of Franklin Delano Roosevelt at his presidential desk, symbolizing his enduring presence and leadership until his death in office.
Opposition and the Drive for Term Limits
It’s important to acknowledge that Roosevelt’s decision to seek a third and fourth term was not universally welcomed. The National Constitution Center notes that some key Democratic supporters and advisors distanced themselves from his campaign due to this unprecedented move. Slogans like “FDR Out at Third” reflected a segment of public opinion that opposed his extended presidency.
Perry points out that despite his overall popularity, a significant minority, particularly within the business community and wealthier segments of society, voted against him, fearing his policies were leading the nation towards socialism. “Famously, there were people who would refuse to speak of him by name and would call him ‘That Man,’” Perry recounts. However, Roosevelt remained confident in his popular support and his conviction that he was the right leader to guide the country through the Great Depression and World War II.
The push for formal presidential term limits gained momentum during Roosevelt’s fourth term. Republicans, along with some Democrats, emphasized the importance of adhering to the tradition established by Washington to prevent the concentration of power and the risk of tyrannical rule. Thomas Dewey, Roosevelt’s Republican opponent in 1944, warned that “Four terms or 16 years is the most dangerous threat to our freedom ever proposed.”
Despite this opposition, Roosevelt secured 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 amplified the calls for term limits, ultimately leading to the passage of the 22nd Amendment, ensuring that no future president could serve more than two terms.
In conclusion, Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms as President of the United States, a unique and historic achievement. His extended presidency was a product of extraordinary circumstances – the Great Depression and World War II – and his own compelling belief that his leadership was crucial during these crises. While his unprecedented tenure solidified his place in history, it also spurred the nation to formally establish presidential term limits, shaping the future of American presidential power.
