when does the president make the state of the union address
State of the Union Although the language of this Section of the Constitution is not specific, by tradition, the President makes this report annually in late January or early February. Between 1934 and 2013 the date has been as early as January 3,[5] and as late as February 12.[6]
Article Two of the United States Constitution The President must give the Congress information on the "State of the Union" "from time to time." This is called the State of the Union Clause.[19] Originally, Presidents personally delivered annual addresses to Congress. Thomas Jefferson, who felt that the procedure resembled the speech from the throne delivered by British monarchs, chose instead to send written messages to Congress for reading by clerks. Jefferson's procedure was followed by future Presidents until Woodrow Wilson reverted to the former procedure of personally addressing Congress, which has continued to this day[update].[19]
State of the Union What began as a communication between president and Congress has become a communication between the president and the people of the United States. Since the advent of radio, and then television, the speech has been broadcast live on most networks, preempting scheduled programming. To reach the largest audience, the speech, once given during the day, is now typically given in the evening, after 9pm ET (UTC-5).
State of the Union As applause and cheering begins, the President slowly walks toward the Speaker's rostrum, followed by members of his Congressional escort committee.[21] The President's approach is slowed by pausing to shake hands, hug, kiss, and autograph copies of his speech for Members of Congress.[20] After he takes his place at the House Clerk's desk,[21] he hands two manila envelopes, previously placed on the desk and containing copies of the speech, to the Speaker and Vice President.