Fact Check: History and Evolution of the State of the Union Address

In what has become an annual tradition for American politics, the State of the Union address gives the President a prime opportunity to communicate directly with Congress and the American people. But this constitutional tradition has undergone significant evolution since its inception more than two centuries ago.

The practice stems from Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. 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 mandates presidential communication with Congress, it doesn’t specify the format or frequency of such messages.

President George Washington delivered the first annual message to Congress on January 8, 1790, speaking before a joint session at Federal Hall in New York City, the nation’s temporary capital. Washington and his successor, John Adams, both delivered their addresses in person. However, this practice changed dramatically with Thomas Jefferson, who considered the in-person delivery too monarchical and reminiscent of the British tradition of the Speech from the Throne.

Beginning in 1801, Jefferson instead sent a written message to Congress, establishing a precedent that would last for more than a century. His approach reflected both practical considerations and the democratic ideals of the young republic. This written format persisted through the 19th century and into the early 20th century, with clerks reading the presidential messages aloud to Congress.

The tradition underwent its most significant transformation when Woodrow Wilson decided to return to the practice of delivering the address in person in 1913. Wilson, a former political science professor, recognized the political advantage of speaking directly to Congress and, by extension, to the American people. His decision coincided with the Progressive Era’s push for more direct democracy and greater executive leadership.

Since Wilson’s innovation, most presidents have chosen to deliver the address in person, though some exceptions exist. Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, and Nixon occasionally sent written messages rather than appearing before Congress. The term “State of the Union” itself wasn’t consistently used until the 1930s during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. Before that, it was commonly called the “Annual Message.”

The advent of mass media dramatically changed the significance and reach of the address. Calvin Coolidge’s 1923 speech marked the first radio broadcast of the event, while Harry Truman’s 1947 address pioneered television coverage. In the digital era, the address is now livestreamed across multiple platforms, reaching audiences worldwide.

The timing of the address has also evolved. Early annual messages were typically delivered in December at the opening of the Congressional session. However, following the passage of the 20th Amendment in 1933, which changed the start of Congressional sessions, the address gradually moved to January or February.

Modern State of the Union addresses have developed specific traditions and ceremonial elements. The Sergeant at Arms announces the President’s arrival with the familiar phrase, “Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States.” Members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court Justices, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and diplomatic corps typically attend, creating an impressive display of the three branches of government gathered in one chamber.

Another recent tradition is the designation of a “designated survivor,” a Cabinet member who remains at a secure location during the address to ensure continuity of government in case of catastrophe. Additionally, presidents now regularly recognize special guests in the gallery, a practice popularized by Ronald Reagan.

The Republican response, delivered immediately after the President’s address, became standard practice in the 1960s, offering the opposition party an opportunity to present alternative perspectives.

From Washington’s modest beginning to today’s media spectacle watched by millions, the State of the Union has evolved from a constitutionally mandated report into a major political event that reflects both the changing nature of the presidency and American democracy itself. While its format and delivery have transformed over two centuries, its fundamental purpose remains unchanged: to fulfill the constitutional duty of presidential communication with Congress about the nation’s condition and future direction.