U.S. Presidents Who Served Less Than Four Years-- Part 4: Ford and Fillmore

4.  GERALD R. FORD  (  August 1974-January 1977)

In 1974, President Nixon resigned because of the Watergate Scandal.  This paved the way for his vice president, Ford, to become the 38th president.  He lost a lot of support when he pardoned Nixon. he also faced an energy crisis, high unemployment and a weak economy.

There were a few assassination attempts, but he survived and served a partial term of over two years before losing the election to Jimmy Carter.

3.  MILLARD FILLMORE (July 1850-March 1853)

Vice president in Zachary Taylor's presidency.  When Taylor died, sworn into office and became the 13th U.S. president.  He only served the rest of the term.  Perhaps best known for his support of the Compromise of 1850. a package of five bills that led to a temporary standstill in the slavery debate.

He openly opposed the practice of owning another human, but was unwilling to do anything in states where it already existed.  he died of a stroke in 1874.

--Cooter