As President Joe Biden prepares to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress tonight, it’s worth reflecting on the rich history of this annual tradition, which dates back to the earliest days of the American republic.
The State of the Union address finds its roots in Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution, which states that 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.”
While the Constitution does not specify the format or frequency of this communication, it has evolved over time into a highly anticipated event, typically delivered annually by the sitting President.
However, it wasn’t until the presidency of Woodrow Wilson in 1913 that the State of the Union address became a speech delivered in person before a joint session of Congress, a tradition that continues to this day.
The first President of the United States, George Washington, set the precedent for the State of the Union address with his inaugural address to Congress on January 8, 1790, in New York City.
Washington and his successor, John Adams, delivered their messages in person, following the tradition of the British monarch’s “speech from the throne” to open Parliament.
However, in 1801, President Thomas Jefferson departed from this tradition by sending his State of the Union message to Congress in writing, a practice he continued throughout his presidency.
Jefferson’s decision to eschew an in-person speech was likely influenced by his discomfort with public speaking, as well as his belief that the practice resembled a monarchical ritual.
The advent of radio and television in the 20th century transformed the State of the Union address from a largely ceremonial event to a widely broadcast and highly anticipated spectacle.
President Calvin Coolidge became the first commander-in-chief to have his State of the Union message broadcast on radio in 1923, followed by President Harry Truman, who delivered the first televised State of the Union address in 1947.
Since then, each President has used the State of the Union address as an opportunity to communicate directly with the American people, presenting their legislative agenda, policy priorities, and vision for the future.
Throughout its history, the State of the Union address has been the stage for several memorable moments and speeches.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 address, in which he articulated the “Four Freedoms” – freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear – stands as one of the most iconic speeches in American history.
Similarly, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1965 address, in which he declared a “war on poverty” and called for the passage of legislation to address civil rights and social justice issues, remains a landmark moment in the history of the State of the Union address.
As Biden prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, he joins a long line of Presidents who have used this platform to address the nation, outline their vision for the future, and rally support for their policy agenda.
From its origins in the early days of the republic to its modern incarnation as a televised event, the State of the Union address remains a cornerstone of American democracy, providing an opportunity for Presidents to communicate directly with the people and Congress.