Technically, John Adams lost three elections, because before 1804 in order to become Vice President you had to finish in second place in the presidential election. No President has lost four presidential elections.
PRESIDENTS WHO LOST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS:
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) was the only U.S. President elected to four terms: 1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944. He died on April 12, 1945, only three months into his fourth term, and was succeeded by his Vice President, Harry Truman.
On February 27, 1951, almost 7 years after FDR's death, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified essentially limiting the term of the U.S. President to two 4-year terms.* Prior to the 22nd Amendment, there was no limit on the number of terms a President could service. Prior to FDR, Presidents followed a precedent set by George Washington to only serve two terms, even though they were not required to limit themselves.
*The 22nd Amendment actually allows an individual to serve a maximum of 10 years as President, but they can only be elected as President for 2 terms. In order for an individual to serve as President for 10 years, they would have to first be Vice President and assume the Presidency with less than 2 years remaining of the outgoing President's term, and then win 2 terms as President.
elections, '80s
Presidential elections take place every four years. There was an election in 2004 (George Bush beat John Kerry) and in 2008 (Barack Obama beat John McCain). The next election will be in 2012.
George W. Bush won the Electoral College, but lost the popular vote. The elections of Rutherford B. Hayes and Benjamin Harrison displayed the same disparity.
Presidential Elections
People vote for a presidential candidate during a presidential election, which happens every four years. Registered voters are allowed to vote in elections.