What was the origin of the no-third-term tradition?

Answer 1

This tradition began with the first President,George Washington. Many people wanted Washington to serve another term, but he refused , not wanting to set a dangerous precedent . He surely did not want the country ever to have a king or other life-time ruler.

During the war years, Roosevelt broke the tradition in 1940 by running (and winning) for a third and fourth term due to the urgency of the times.

In February of 1951, a Republican dominated congress passed the 22nd Amendment, which states that no person can be elected president more than twice. It further limits access to the presidency by denying access to the vice-presidency, as that could lead to an illegal ascendency.

Answer 2

The standard was set by George Washington when he chose not to run for a third term. It wasn't until the passage of the 22nd Amendment that there was an official limit on terms.

Answer 3

It was George Washington's unwillingness to run for a third term in 1796 that started the tradition.