What is the maximum number of years a person may serve as President of the United States?

The maximum number of years a person may serve as President of the United States is eight years. This limit is established by the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1951. The amendment specifically states that no person can be elected to the office of the President more than twice. Additionally, it provides that if someone assumes the presidency (for instance, as a result of succession) and serves more than two years of a term, they can only be elected to one additional full term. This means that in total, a person can serve a maximum of ten years if they step in as President under certain circumstances for a short period before being elected to two full terms. However, in standard scenarios of election, the limit is generally recognized as eight years. This structure is designed to prevent one individual from holding too much power over an extended period, thereby promoting a democratic and balanced governance system.