Third-term tremors

Socialists invent class, nationalists invent the nation, and so the populists invent the people. This phrase distills a defining element of Donald Trump's political appeal and hints at his most recent ambition: a potential third term as President of the United States.

- SANTHOSH MATHEW

Though the U.S. Constitution's 22nd Amendment prevents any president from serving more than two terms, Trump's words and actions suggest he may be willing to challenge this long-standing restriction, fueling a new wave of discussion and debate over the limits of executive power in American democracy.

Since the amendment's ratification in 1951 - following Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four-term presidency - presidential term limits have been an integral part of the U.S. Constitution. The amendment, designed to curb the accumulation of too much power in any single leader, was introduced to preserve democracy by preventing extended reigns in the nation's highest office. No president has seriously challenged it since then, but Trump is no ordinary president. His populist approach, aimed at dismantling traditional norms, opens the possibility of a third run, capturing the imagination of his base and sparking concerns among political observers.

To challenge the 22nd Amendment would require a Herculean political effort. Passing a constitutional amendment demands supermajorities in both houses of Congress - at least 290 of 435 votes in the House of Representatives and 67 of 100 in the Senate. Beyond that, 38 of the 50 U.S. states would need to ratify the amendment for it to take effect. These hurdles are in place to protect foundational principles, making any change exceedingly difficult in today's deeply divided political environment. Yet Trump's populist appeal and unorthodox style suggest he may believe these obstacles can be overcome with the right message and a mobilized base.