A president of the United States may serve a maximum of two elected terms, each lasting four years, according to the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ratified in 1951
. This amendment was enacted after Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to four terms, breaking the previous tradition set by George Washington of serving only two terms
. Additionally, if a vice president or other successor assumes the presidency and serves less than two years of the previous president’s term, that person may be elected to two full terms, potentially serving up to ten years in total
. However, if the successor serves more than two years of the previous term, they can only be elected once more. In summary:
- Maximum of two elected terms (8 years total) for any president.
- Up to 10 years total if a successor serves less than two years of a predecessor’s term before being elected twice.
This term limit is constitutionally binding and prevents any individual from being elected president more than twice
