The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
PRESIDENCY / TERM OF OFFICE
My opinion originally was that the President of the United States
should have been elected for seven years, and forever ineligible
afterwards. I have since become sensible that seven years is too long
to be irremovable, and that there should be a peaceable way of
withdrawing a man in midway who is doing wrong. The service for eight
years, with a power to remove at the end of the first four, comes
nearly to my principle as corrected by experience; and it is in
adherence to that, that I determine to withdraw at the end of my
second term. The danger is that the indulgence and attachments of the
people will keep a man in the chair after he becomes a dotard, that
reelection through life shall become habitual, and election for life
follow that. General Washington set the example of voluntary
retirement after eight years. I shall follow it. And a few more
precedents will oppose the obstacle of habit to any one after awhile
who shall endeavor to extend his term. Perhaps it may beget a
disposition to establish it by an amendment of the Constitution. I
believe I am doing right therefore in pursuing my principle. I had
determined to declare my intention, but I have consented to be silent
on the opinion of friends, who think it best not to put a continuance
out of my power in defiance of all circumstances. There is, however,
but one circumstance which could engage my acquiescence in another
election; to wit, such a division about a successor, as might bring in
a monarchist. But that circumstance is impossible.
to John Taylor, 6 January 1805
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