As an expert in political science and constitutional law, I can provide an insightful analysis of the question regarding whether a president can serve three terms during a war. The question is particularly relevant in the context of the United States, where the presidential term limits are set by the Constitution and its amendments.

**Step 1: Understanding the U.S. Constitution and the Twenty-Second Amendment**

The U.S. Constitution, as originally drafted, did not specify any term limits for the president. It was the unique and unprecedented situation of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) that led to the consideration of such limits. FDR was elected to four terms, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. His tenure included a significant portion of World War II, which raised questions about the continuity of leadership during times of national crisis.

In response to these concerns, the Twenty-Second Amendment was proposed and ratified in 1951. This amendment specifically states:

> "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once."

This amendment effectively limits a person to being elected as president for a maximum of two terms. However, it does create a scenario where a person could potentially serve more than eight years if they have not been elected to the office for more than two years of someone else's term.

**Step 2: The Exception and Its Implications**

The exception within the Twenty-Second Amendment allows for a situation where a vice president, or another official who ascends to the presidency due to the death, resignation, or removal of the elected president, can serve out the remainder of that term and still be elected to two additional full terms. This means that a person could serve a maximum of ten years as president, but not through three separate elections.

Step 3: Historical Context and Precedent

The historical context of FDR's third and fourth terms is important to consider. His third term was won in 1940, during a time of escalating global tensions that would lead to the United States' entry into World War II. His fourth term was won in 1944, in the midst of the war. The American public's support for his leadership during this critical time was a significant factor in his re-election.

However, the ratification of the Twenty-Second Amendment after FDR's death ensured that no future president would be able to serve more than two elected terms, regardless of the circumstances, including war.

**Step 4: The Current Legal Framework and Its Enforcement**

The current legal framework in the United States is clear: a president cannot be elected to serve more than two terms, which equates to a maximum of eight years. The exception for serving up to ten years is highly specific and would only apply under the unique conditions outlined in the amendment.

Enforcement of this amendment is through the electoral process and the constitutional checks and balances that exist within the U.S. government. Any attempt to circumvent these term limits would likely face significant legal and political challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while historical precedent shows that a president like FDR was re-elected during times of war, the current legal framework under the Twenty-Second Amendment prohibits a president from serving three elected terms. The amendment does allow for the possibility of a president serving up to ten years, but this is under specific conditions that are not typically associated with a third elected term. The amendment reflects the nation's commitment to ensuring that no single individual holds the office of the president for an extended period, thus maintaining the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded.

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In 1940, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt won a third term. He won a fourth in 1944. ... The Twenty-Second Amendment says a person can only be elected to be president two times for a total of eight years. It does make it possible for a person to serve up to ten years as president.read more >>