Final answer:
The Twenty-Second Amendment was passed due to public support for term limits, concerns about the concentration of presidential power, historical precedence set by George Washington, and opposition to FDR's four-term presidency, leading to a formal limitation of two terms for future presidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage of the Twenty-Second Amendment is an important milestone in American history, reflecting a pivotal change in the country's approach to presidential term limits. Franklin D. Roosevelt's (FDR) unprecedented four-term presidency raised concerns over the potential for excessive concentration of power and prompted action to prevent future presidents from serving more than two terms. The factors leading to this amendment include public support for term limits, concerns about the concentration of power, historical precedent, and opposition to FDR's lengthy stay in the White House.
The historical precedent set by George Washington, who voluntarily stepped down after two terms, guided early presidents. However, FDR broke this tradition during the challenging times of the Great Depression and World War II. After he died in office in 1945, and with the shift in political power, the proposed Twenty-Second Amendment sought to formalize the two-term limit.
Concerns regarding the concentration of power were fueled by FDR's ability to overshadow Congress due to his long tenure. The amendment represented an attempt to restore balance and ensure that no single individual could wield presidential power for an extended period. The fear that a powerful president could diminish the effectiveness of other branches of government was a driving force behind the passage of the amendment.
While the move towards enforcing term limits was due in part to the public's desire to prevent a prolonged presidency, the strength of opposition to FDR's four-term presidency cannot be overlooked. His ability to secure four elections led many to fear the creation of a quasi-monarchical system, prompting Congress to act to reaffirm the democratic nature of the presidency.
In conclusion, the combination of public support for term limits, concern about an imbalance of power, historical practice, and reaction to FDR's extensive control played integral roles in the ratification of the Twenty-Second Amendment in 1951, which forever changed the landscape of American presidential politics.