The State of the Union Address
Annual Presidential Tradition
The President delivers the State of the Union Address to Congress once a year in January or February. The President discusses significant concerns affecting Americans in the speech and provides solutions to the country’s challenges, including recommendations for new laws and regulations.
Constitutional Requirement
The Constitution of the United States requires that the President give Congress a State of the Union message from time to time on the condition of the country. Some Presidents delivered their message in writing — others have given a speech. This year, President Clinton will deliver his State of the Union Message on Thursday, January 27 at 9:00 p.m.
Congressional Gathering
Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the Speaker of the House and the Vice President (who also serves as the Senate President), convene in the House chamber on night. On the dais, an elevated platform just behind the President’s podium, are the Speaker and the Vice President. Members of the House and the Senate accompany the President as he arrives and lead him into the chamber. The Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives announces the President’s arrival. Subsequently, the Speaker presents the President, who addresses the Congress.
Cabinet Attendance
The State of the Union address is traditionally attended by one member of the President’s Cabinet only. In this manner, the Cabinet Secretary who was not present could assume the President’s responsibilities in the event of a disaster that affects the President, Vice President, and other attending members of the Cabinet.
Citizen Recognition
For his State of the Union address, the President often invites a number of citizens of the United States to the House chamber. These citizens have been invited due to their remarkable actions. The President introduces them and gives them recognition for their accomplishments during his speech.
Opposition Response
Following the speech on the state of the union, there is an “opposition response.” This provides an opportunity for the opposition political party to discuss the President’s remarks. Typically, they will make recommendations for bettering America that differ from the President’s.
