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State of the Union Address Deeply Rooted in American History—2016
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3 MINUTE READ
April 8, 2016

Though it is draped in tradition, the modern State of the Union address provides a unique opportunity for presidents to lay out an entire policy agenda to Congress in one speech. Lawrence Jackson/White House
Though it is draped in tradition, the modern State of the Union address provides a unique opportunity for presidents to lay out an entire policy agenda to Congress in one speech. Lawrence Jackson/White House

The U.S. Constitution requires the president to report to Congress on the “State of the Union.” The tradition of the president delivering an oral report to Congress dates back to 1790, when George Washington, the first U.S. president, delivered his “Annual Message” to Congress in New York City, then the provisional capital of the United States. His successor, John Adams, followed suit.

(Pamphlet, 2 pgs.)

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Democracy
Pamphlet