Constitution Daily

Smart conversation from the National Constitution Center

22nd Amendment

On this day: Term limits for American Presidents

February 27, 2021 by NCC Staff

On this day in 1951, the 22nd Amendment was ratified, limiting the number of terms served by the President. The move ended a controversy over Franklin Roosevelt's four elected terms to the White House.

10 people who very nearly became President

February 17, 2021 by NCC Staff

On Presidents Day, Constitution Daily looks at two “what if” scenarios that would have given us 10 different Presidents through history. What factor would have given us Samuel Tilden, Willie Mangum or Aaron Burr as the nation’s leader?

FDR’s third-term election and the 22nd amendment

November 5, 2020 by NCC Staff

On November 5, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt won a third term in office in an unprecedented act that would be barred by a constitutional amendment a decade later.

Does the Constitution allow for a delayed presidential election?

April 10, 2020 by Scott Bomboy

As America battles the COVID-19 virus, speculation has started that a prolonged public health crisis could delay or even postpone this year’s presidential election. So how would the Constitution deal with such an unusual situation?

How the 22nd Amendment came into existence

April 5, 2019 by Scott Bomboy

The Constitution’s 22nd Amendment is in the news after two congressional members engaged in a spirited debate this week about its purpose. To help readers understand the questions involved, here are some details about how the amendment that limits presidential terms of office became part of the Constitution.

A historical first and last - FDR’s final inauguration

January 20, 2017 by NCC Staff

The Constitution now sets January 20th as inauguration day every four years, but it was 72 years ago today that a historical first – and last occurred: The inauguration of a U.S. President to a fourth term in office.

Can Ivanka Trump or Bill Clinton be the next Vice President?

June 24, 2016 by Scott Bomboy

Recently, the Washington Post listed 36 possible Donald Trump running mates, including his daughter, Ivanka. And there has been a debate since 2008 about Bill Clinton as a VP candidate. Does the Constitution allow these scenarios?

Should there be term limits for members of Congress and the Supreme Court?

February 27, 2016 by Nicandro Iannacci

The 22nd Amendment sets a two-term limit on the office of the President. Should members of the other two branches follow the same rule?

Five big moments in New Hampshire primary history

February 5, 2016 by Scott Bomboy

This Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary has the potential to offer another dramatic moment in presidential election history. Here’s a look back at five reasons why the nation’s first primary is so closely watched.

History wouldn’t favor third term for Obama, or most Presidents

July 28, 2015 by Scott Bomboy

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama jested that he could win a third term in office, but that he was also glad he was constitutionally barred from running. While Obama spoke in a context about African leaders, the comments caused discussion back home about third-term Presidents in general.

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