American History Hit The Truth about the Two-Term Limit
Jan 15, 2026
Historian Jeremi Suri, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of 'Civil War by Other Means,' dives into the intriguing history of the two-term limit for U.S. presidents. He discusses its origins with George Washington's voluntary choice to set a precedent, and how this evolved into a constitutional mandate. Suri explores pivotal figures like FDR, who challenged this norm during the Great Depression, and the broader implications of the 22nd Amendment. He also argues that congressional dynamics, rather than term limits, fuel current political polarization.
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Washington's Precedent Became A Lasting Norm
- George Washington set an informal two-term precedent that became a powerful political norm for 150 years.
- The founders intended public service as temporary stewardship, not a lifelong career.
Grant's Potential Comeback Was Personal
- Ulysses Grant considered a comeback for personal and financial reasons after two tiring terms.
- Supporters even offered financing to return him to the presidency in 1880 but Garfield prevailed.
Teddy Roosevelt's 1912 Third-Term Run
- Theodore Roosevelt ran in 1912 as a third-term candidate via the Bull Moose Party claiming he'd only been elected once.
- He framed his eligibility around serving part of McKinley's term, not violating Washington's rule in his view.
