Why in news
On March 30, 78-year-old Donald Trump claimed he's “not joking” about serving a third term as U.S. President.
He suggested a legal loophole could make this possible, sparking debates about constitutional limits.
Does the U.S. Constitution Allow It?
22nd Amendment (1951): Limits Presidents to two elected terms, following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency.
Eligibility Rules:
Two terms max, even if non-consecutive.
If someone serves over 2 years of another’s term, they can be elected only once.
Trump’s Status: He served two terms (2017–2021 and 2025–2029), making him ineligible for a third term.
What Is the ‘VP Loophole’?
Trump’s Idea: Proposed having J.D. Vance as President in 2028 with Trump as VP. If Vance resigns, Trump could become President.
Blocked by the 12th Amendment: Bars anyone ineligible for President from becoming Vice President.
Succession Theory:
Some suggest Trump could become President via the line of succession (e.g., as Speaker of the House).
The 22nd Amendment restricts election, not service, so this is a grey area.
Which World Leaders Have Extended Their Tenure?
Vladimir Putin (Russia): Used term limits, then became PM, later returned as President with constitutional changes allowing him to rule until 2036.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Turkey): Removed term limits via referendum, transforming the system into a Presidential one.
Xi Jinping (China): Eliminated the two-term cap in 2018, allowing indefinite rule.
Leaders Without Term Limits:
Angela Merkel (Germany): Served 16 years without term limits, sustained by parliamentary support.
Canada & UK PMs: No fixed terms, continue if they retain party support.
Why Doesn’t India Have Term Limits?
Parliamentary System: No term limits for Prime Ministers; tenure depends on maintaining Lok Sabha’s confidence.
Democratic Flexibility: Allows leaders to serve as long as they have public and parliamentary support.
Examples:
Narendra Modi: Could serve up to 15 years by 2029.
No-Confidence Motions: Ended tenures of V.P. Singh, H.D. Deve Gowda, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Checks and Balances: Regular elections, coalition dynamics, judicial oversight, and media ensure accountability.
COMMENTS