1978: NOAA announces gender-neutral hurricane naming system
Federal News Network presents a daily update of important moments in the history of the U.S. government.
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was ratified when Minnesota became the 36th state to ratify it on Feb. 27, 1951. It limits the number of times an individual is eligible for election to the presidency and also states that an individual who fills an unexpired presidential term lasting greater than two years is prohibited from winning election as president more than once. Prior to its ratification, presidential term limits had been repeatedly debated but never solidified, although George Washington had effectively established a two-term precedent which all other presidents followed. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only president to win a third term — and then a fourth, during which he died in office 82 days after inauguration — giving rise to concerns about presidents serving an unlimited number of terms. When Republicans gained control of Congress two years later, as many had campaigned in favor of term limits, the issue was made a top priority and passed shortly thereafter. The last states to ratify the amendment were North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Florida, and Alabama. Oklahoma and Massachusetts rejected the amendment, while Arizona, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Washington, and West Virginia took no action.
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