<P> The State of the Union address is a speech presented by the President of the United States to a joint session of the United States Congress , except in the first year of a new president 's term . The address not only reports on the condition of the nation but also allows the President to outline his legislative agenda ( for which he needs the cooperation of Congress ) and national priorities . The address fulfills rules in Article II , Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution , requiring the President to periodically give Congress information on the `` state of the union '' and recommend any measures that he believes are necessary and expedient . During most of the country 's first century , the President primarily only submitted a written report to Congress . With the advent of radio and television , the address is now broadcast live across the country on most networks . </P>
<P> The State of the Union address is a speech presented by the President of the United States to a joint session of the United States Congress , except in the first year of a new president 's term . The address not only reports on the condition of the nation but also allows the President to outline his legislative agenda ( for which he needs the cooperation of Congress ) and national priorities . The address fulfills rules in Article II , Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution , requiring the President to periodically give Congress information on the `` state of the union '' and recommend any measures that he believes are necessary and expedient . During most of the country 's first century , the President primarily only submitted a written report to Congress . With the advent of radio and television , the address is now broadcast live across the country on most networks . </P>
who gives the state of the union address
who gives the state of the union address
President of the United States
President of the United States