“He shall from time to time give
to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their
Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”
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— Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution
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1. What is the purpose of the State of the Union Address?
Before the
speech begins, many important people enter the House Chamber of Congress. Notice that members of the three branches of
government are all present in the same room.
This rarely happens throughout the year.
Legislative Branch – Writes and votes for laws -- House of Representatives
and U.S. Senate
Executive Branch – Provides
the leadership for the country; can suggest laws, but cannot write them -- The President, Vice President, and his/her
advisors (the cabinet – Secretary of State,
Secretary of Defense, etc.)
Judicial Branch – Checks to make sure the laws fit what the
Constitution says – the Supreme Court Justices and many lower level judges
2. Notice: Who is sitting behind the President of the
United States during the speech?
Write their names and their titles (jobs).
Behind on the left: ____________ Behind on the right: ______________
____________________________ ________________________________
3. Where is the
president’s spouse (husband or wife) sitting?
Why?
4.
Circle any of the topics you hear the President
discuss: (because you are not required
to listen to the entire speech, just circle what you heard.)
unemployment the economy healthcare education debt/deficit
terrorism climate change immigration
homeland
security taxes
veterans women’s rights children other:_____________________
5. What was
most interesting to you about the State of the Union Address? (You
may discuss the speech, or any other parts of what happened, from the time
people were announced and entered the room to when the President left the
room.)
