Jan. 23 State of the Union Address....
The State of the Union Message is a message from the President to Congress, usually given once a year in January or February. In the message, the President talks about important issues facing Americans and offers his ideas on solving the nation's problems, including suggestions for new laws and policies.
The Constitution of the United States requires that the President give Congress a State of the Union message from time to time on the condition of the country. Some Presidents delivered their message in writing — others have given a speech. Tonight, President Bush delivered his State of the Union Message on Tuesday, January 23 at 9:00 p.m.
On State of the Union night, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate gather together in the House chamber, along with the Speaker of the House and the Vice President (who is also President of the Senate). The Speaker and the Vice President sit on the dais, a raised platform directly behind where the President speaks. When the President arrives, he is escorted to the chamber by members of both the House and the Senate. The arrival of the President is announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives. The Speaker then introduces the President, who delivers his speech to the Congress.
In custom, one member of the President's Cabinet does not attend the State of the Union address. This way, if a catastrophe should happen that harms the President, the Vice President, and the other members of the Cabinet who are attending, the Cabinet Secretary who did not attend could then take over the duties of the President.
The President usually invites several American citizens to the House chamber for his State of the Union message. These citizens have been invited because they have done something extraordinary. During his speech, the President introduces them and honors them for their achievements.
After the State of the Union message, there is an "opposition response." This gives the opposing political party a chance to express their views on what the President said. Usually, they will offer suggestions different from the President's on how to improve America.
How many of you watched the Presidents address this evening? I the beginning of the broadcast the president mentioned something significant that was happening for the first time that evening, rate how important this occassion really was. Hypothesize the value of the tactic of keeping away one of the Cabinet Members...can you name the person who was not present tonight? ...kin of like a "Where's Waldo" of American Governement! As an American propose what significance this address has on your life and that of your family? What about if you are of another nationality?
The Constitution of the United States requires that the President give Congress a State of the Union message from time to time on the condition of the country. Some Presidents delivered their message in writing — others have given a speech. Tonight, President Bush delivered his State of the Union Message on Tuesday, January 23 at 9:00 p.m.
On State of the Union night, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate gather together in the House chamber, along with the Speaker of the House and the Vice President (who is also President of the Senate). The Speaker and the Vice President sit on the dais, a raised platform directly behind where the President speaks. When the President arrives, he is escorted to the chamber by members of both the House and the Senate. The arrival of the President is announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives. The Speaker then introduces the President, who delivers his speech to the Congress.
In custom, one member of the President's Cabinet does not attend the State of the Union address. This way, if a catastrophe should happen that harms the President, the Vice President, and the other members of the Cabinet who are attending, the Cabinet Secretary who did not attend could then take over the duties of the President.
The President usually invites several American citizens to the House chamber for his State of the Union message. These citizens have been invited because they have done something extraordinary. During his speech, the President introduces them and honors them for their achievements.
After the State of the Union message, there is an "opposition response." This gives the opposing political party a chance to express their views on what the President said. Usually, they will offer suggestions different from the President's on how to improve America.
How many of you watched the Presidents address this evening? I the beginning of the broadcast the president mentioned something significant that was happening for the first time that evening, rate how important this occassion really was. Hypothesize the value of the tactic of keeping away one of the Cabinet Members...can you name the person who was not present tonight? ...kin of like a "Where's Waldo" of American Governement! As an American propose what significance this address has on your life and that of your family? What about if you are of another nationality?
posted by Mrs. Osimanti at 6:55 PM
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