219k views
3 votes
Why did congress pass the twenty-second amendment

User Plindberg
by
7.2k points

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

Congress passed the Twenty-second Amendment to limit presidents to two terms, maintaining the balance of power and democratic principles after FDR's four-term presidency.

Step-by-step explanation:

Congress passed the Twenty-second Amendment to address concerns that arose after President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented four terms, breaking the tradition of a two-term limit that was informally established by George Washington. The amendment was ratified in 1951 and restricts a person to two terms as president. This was done to maintain a balance of power and prevent any future president from holding office for an extensive period, which could lead to a concentration of power that might undermine the democratic principles of the United States. The impact of this amendment is evidenced by recent presidents, such as Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, all of whom were limited to two terms and experienced a loss of political momentum as they became 'lame ducks' towards the end of their second terms.

User Patrizia
by
7.5k points
5 votes

Answer:

They feared every President would try to run for 3rd and 4th terms. Republicans and conservative Democrats were scared that another 12-16 years under someone with the views would create "too strong" of a federal government.

User Aarjithn
by
7.6k points