State of Union Address

Definition

The State of Union Address is an annual message delivered by the President to Congress towards the beginning of each calendar year in office. It includes a budget message and economic report.

Analogy

Consider this as your annual family meeting where your parents (the president) discuss how things went last year (report), what they plan for next year (agenda), and how they will spend money (budget).

Related terms

Congressional Response: The formal response from Congress after hearing Presidential addresses such as State Of Union Address.

Legislative Agenda: Refers to issues that those involved in legislative process view as important and are actively working on them.

Fiscal Policy: Government policy regarding taxation, government spending or borrowing.