What is State of the Union Address? Meaning and Purpose Explained

The United States signals the importance of the upcoming year with a celebratory event referred to as "the State of the Union Address." 

The State of the Union Address is delivered by the U.S. President, followed by an opportunity for every citizen in America to have their voices heard through the Congressional Record.

This is one way that citizens' voices are raised up, as lawmakers collect citizen comments and create legislation based on input from citizens, and jurisdictions.

This includes the President's signing into law, many important pieces of legislation. In addition, the President discusses the U.S. economy and presents the fiscal policies of the U.S. government. 

The State of the Union Address provides citizens an opportunity to express their opinions and views to their elected officials and the entire US government.

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What is State of the Union Address?

Every year, the President of the U.S. gives what is called a “State of the Union Address” to both houses Senate and House of Representatives of Congress. 

This speech reviews where we are today as a nation and details what the current administration has done to improve our country over the previous year and establishes priorities and plans for the future. 

While it has not always been like this, the State of the Union Address has become a significant event when the President can communicate directly with Congress members, the American people and other countries around the world. 

The Constitution (Article II, Section 3) requires our President to provide Congress with an updated report of the State of the Union at least once per year. 

At first, presidents submitted written reports in accordance with the founding fathers' intention of restricting government intrusion on private life. 

In time, presidents have used new technologies to present and communicate with both houses of Congress via electronic screens like televisions, audio communications (radio), and finally, live streams.

Purpose of State of the Union Address

State of the Union's major purpose is to inform people about the current political, economic, and social conditions of our country.

The State of The Union serves many purposes:

Provide a Policy Agenda: President provides legislative priorities & policy proposals for the coming year.

Establish National Vision: President communicates administration's national vision and goals to the public and Congress.

Provide Accountability: President reports on the success of past initiatives and policies.

Educate the Public: This gives citizens clear understanding of the government's priorities and plans.

Conclusion

The annual State of the Union Address is an essential legal safeguard for American democracy. It serves to inform the public about the current status of our country by showing the current accomplishments as well as to define policy priorities, thereby creating transparency and accountability between the President, the Congress and American citizens.