For how many years is a U.S. President elected?

A U.S. President is elected for a term of four years. This is established in the Constitution, specifically in Article II, Section 1. The framers of the Constitution determined that a four-year term would provide a balance between the need for stability in leadership and the importance of accountability to the voters.

Additionally, while a president can serve a maximum of two four-year terms (a total of eight years), this stipulation is not about how long a president is elected for but rather is a limit on the number of terms one can serve, as solidified by the 22nd Amendment ratified in 1951. The four-year term allows the electorate to reassess their choice of President every four years, ensuring that the office remains reflective of the public's current will and needs.