The two term limit is a common feature in presidential democracies, rooted in the worry that power can concentrate in one person for too long. The United States began with a rejection of monarchy, with the founders determined not to replace one ruler with another.
The constitutional frame restricts a president to two elected terms. The 22nd Amendment states that no person may be elected president more than twice. It does not specify whether terms must be consecutive, which means a person could, in theory, return to the office after an interval. This nuance has been a focal point for political debate and legal interpretation for decades.
Historically, Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms, from 1933 to 1945, dying during the fourth year of that term. In response, Congress pushed through the 22nd Amendment, and by 1951 all states had ratified it. The amendment aimed to preserve regular leadership turnover while allowing a peaceful transition of power when voters choose a successor.
Pending reforms
In practice, the United States is not alone in this conversation. For example, Mexico uses a single six-year term for its presidency, a rule that often prevents a return to the office within a single lifetime. This dynamic helps explain why Andrés Manuel López Obrador did not run again despite wide support. In Spain the constitution does not impose a formal term limit on the presidency, which has allowed leaders like Felipe González to govern for long stretches, and in Catalonia, Jordi Pujol led the regional government for more than two decades uninterrupted. These cases illustrate different balances between continuity and renewal across democracies.
Constitutional reform remains a sensitive issue in many nations. Providing a longer or nonconsecutive path to leadership demands broad political consensus and careful consideration of stability, accountability, and the willingness to adapt to changing times. The international practice includes moves such as Russia under Vladimir Putin, who used political changes and referendums to extend terms, potentially shaping the presidential tenure through 2036.
The debate about term limits continues, shaping how democracies handle governance and accountability. Britannica notes this trend as it influences constitutional design and public trust.