1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen to express my thoughts on the critical issue of term limits for the presidency. As you know, the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly prohibits any individual from being elected to the presidency more than twice. This safeguard was established for compelling reasons, and it is vital to uphold this constitutional limitation to preserve the integrity of our democracy. Allowing a president to serve three terms—or more—poses significant dangers to the foundational principles of our government. Chief among these is the potential erosion of the balance of power. The framers of the Constitution recognized the importance of avoiding the concentration of authority in any one branch or individual. The two-term limit ensures a regular and peaceful transition of power, preventing any one person from amassing excessive influence over time. Historical precedents also highlight the wisdom of this limit. George Washington set an enduring standard by voluntarily stepping down after two terms, prioritizing the nation’s welfare over personal power. This tradition was broken only by Franklin D. Roosevelt during a time of unprecedented crisis, and even then, his extended presidency underscored the risks of consolidating power, including diminished accountability and the potential for unchecked executive overreach. Furthermore, allowing a president to serve beyond two terms undermines the democratic process by discouraging fresh leadership and ideas. A perpetual leader can stifle innovation, entrench partisan divisions, and create an environment where loyalty to an individual outweighs loyalty to the Constitution and democratic principles. The 22nd Amendment was designed not only to limit the duration of executive power but also to reinforce the idea that no one person is above the law or indispensable to governance. Disregarding this fundamental safeguard would set a dangerous precedent, undermining the constitutional framework that has sustained our republic for over two centuries. I urge you to remain vigilant against any attempts to weaken or circumvent this essential protection. The Constitution’s two-term limit is not merely a technicality; it is a cornerstone of the checks and balances that define our democratic system. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I trust that you will stand firm in upholding the principles enshrined in our Constitution and resist any proposals that would undermine the integrity of our government.