Table of Contents
What happens during the State of the Union address?
The State of the Union Message is a message from the President to Congress, usually given once a year in January or February. In the message, the President talks about important issues facing Americans and offers his ideas on solving the nation’s problems, including suggestions for new laws and policies.
Who is the Commander in Chief of our nation’s military?
The President
The Constitution provides: “The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States . . . .” U.S. Const. art.
When can the President call a meeting of Congress?
Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution provides that the President “may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them.” Extraordinary sessions have been called by the Chief Executive to urge the Congress to focus on important national issues.
Where does the State of the Union Address come from?
Origins and Authorization. The formal basis for the State of the Union Address is from the U.S. Constitution: The President “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Article II, Section 3, Clause 1.
How many guests are allowed at the State of the Union Address?
Every member of Congress can bring one guest to the State of the Union address. The president may invite up to 24 guests with the First Lady in her box. The speaker of the House may invite up to 24 guests in the speaker’s box. Seating for Congress on the main floor is by a first-in, first-served basis with no reservations.
What should be included in the State of the Union?
State of the Union. The message includes a budget message and an economic report of the nation, and also allows the President to propose their outlined legislative agenda (for which the cooperation of Congress is needed) and national priorities.
Who was the first president to give the State of the Union speech?
For many years, the speech was referred to as “the President’s Annual Message to Congress”. The actual term “State of the Union” first emerged in 1934 when Franklin D. Roosevelt used the phrase, becoming its generally accepted name since 1947.