Feature

Today in history: The two-term limitation begins

In 1951, the 22nd Amendment was ratified, limiting U.S. presidents to two terms

Feb. 27, 1951: The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, limiting presidents to two terms in office. Passed after the death of President Franklin Roosevelt — who was elected to four terms in office — the amendment says, "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term."

Feb. 27, 1972: The Shanghai Communique was issued by President Richard Nixon and Chinese Premier Chou En-lai. The Shanghai Communique came at the end of Nixon's historic trip to China, arguably the most dramatic journey ever made by an American president.

Feb. 27, 1991: President Bush announced the defeat of Iraq, ordering an end to Operation Desert Storm and Gulf War I. Bush said his main strategic goal — pushing Iraq out of Kuwait, which it had invaded the prior August — had been achieved. The U.S. did not occupy Iraq itself in 1991, by the way. Defense Secretary Dick Cheney told Bush it wasn't worth the casualties or "getting bogged down."

Quote of the day

"Nothing brings out the lower traits of human nature like office seeking." –Rutherford B. Hayes


More from West Wing Reports...

Recommended

Millions of Americans poised to lose Medicaid coverage on April 1
Doctor holding clipboard.
healthcare at risk

Millions of Americans poised to lose Medicaid coverage on April 1

Is indicting Trump 'un-American'?
Donald Trump.
Today's big question

Is indicting Trump 'un-American'?

Pros and cons of the letter grading system
Graded report sticking out of backpack.
The big debate

Pros and cons of the letter grading system

Idaho's next-level 'abortion trafficking' bill
Reproductive rights protesters
Briefing

Idaho's next-level 'abortion trafficking' bill

Most Popular

The 8 most bizarre moments of Gwyneth Paltrow's ski crash trial
Gwyneth Paltrow
downhill

The 8 most bizarre moments of Gwyneth Paltrow's ski crash trial

Jennifer Aniston: Friends is now 'offensive' to a 'whole generation'
Jennifer Aniston
the one where they get canceled

Jennifer Aniston: Friends is now 'offensive' to a 'whole generation'

Millions of Americans poised to lose Medicaid coverage on April 1
Doctor holding clipboard.
healthcare at risk

Millions of Americans poised to lose Medicaid coverage on April 1