We elect a President for how many years?

The President of the United States serves a 4-YEAR term. The Constitution set this term length in Article II. Originally there was no limit on the number of terms — George Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms, creating a strong tradition that lasted until Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to four terms (1932, 1936, 1940, 1944). In response, the 22nd Amendment (1951) limited presidents to two elected terms, or a maximum of 10 years total if a vice president takes over with less than 2 years remaining in another's term. Presidential elections occur every 4 years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The inauguration of the elected president takes place January 20 of the following year. The candidate must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born U.S. citizen, and a resident for at least 14 years.