ANTONIO JOSE DE SUCRE

This is one of the first examples of term limits. Sucre, one of the idealistic patriotic liberators of South America from the Spanish, did not even want to accept the presidency, but was persuaded that to refuse would be considered an insult to the proud South Americans. The acceded, and retired after his two year term—following the example of George Washington whose history he well knew. Another South American hero, San Martin, refused the Presidency and all honors and payment, and while a great hero, did insult much of the population who considered him as insulting to the people. Many South American nations have followed Sucre’s example and constitutionally limited their presidencies to a single term.

This is one of the first examples of term limits. Sucre, one of the idealistic patriotic liberators of South America from the Spanish, did not even want to accept the presidency, but was persuaded that to refuse would be considered an insult to the proud South Americans. The acceded, and retired after his two year term—following the example of George Washington whose history he well knew. Another South American hero, San Martin, refused the Presidency and all honors and payment, and while a great hero, did insult much of the population who considered him as insulting to the people. Many South American nations have followed Sucre’s example and constitutionally limited their presidencies to a single term.