In spite of the strong two-term tradition , a few presidents prior to Franklin Roosevelt did attempt to secure a third term . Following Ulysses S. Grant 's reelection victory in 1872 , there were serious discussions within Republican political circles about the possibility of his running again in 1876 . Interest in a third term for Grant evaporated however , in the light of negative public opinion and opposition from members of Congress , and Grant left the presidency in 1877 , after two terms . Even so , as the 1880 election approached , he sought nomination for a ( non-consecutive ) third term at the 1880 Republican National Convention , but narrowly lost to James Garfield , who would go on to win the 1880 election
1880 Republican National Convention
1880 Republican National Convention
Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution