Module 4: The Presidency
Imagine that you are the President of the United States of America. This powerful position comes with numerous responsibilities, one of which is delivering the State of the Union Address. The State of the Union Address serves as the President's formal update to Congress. Presidents used to write this annual address, which was then read to Congress. In modern times, it is typically delivered as a speech by the President.
The State of the Union Address is constitutionally mandated, with Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution stating 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.” Presidents have used the State of the Union Address as a platform to discuss issues facing the nation, to propose new public policy, and to rally support for their agendas.
As the President, it is time for you to deliver your State of the Union Address. Choose an issue to focus on and record a two-minute speech addressing Congress. You could discuss unemployment, health care, the environment, education, or another issue that may be important to you. Your speech should answer the following questions:
- How is this issue currently affecting the United States?
- What new legislation would you advise Congress to pass in order to resolve the issue?
- Which executive departments do you anticipate taking an active role in resolving this issue?
- What data (charts, graphs, reports, newspaper articles, etc.) supports your facts?
Your speech should be well-organized, creative, and interesting. Instead of just presenting the information or facts, your speech should try to persuade your fellow Americans to agree with your point of view. In addition to your audio file, you should submit a transcript of your speech. Use the audio recording information found in the Developmental Module to help you create your speech.
Before you begin, access the State of the Union Address Checklist to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. You may need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment. If so, please submit a Works Cited document. If you need assistance, please visit the Developmental Module for information on citing any resources that you use.
Reflection
After you have completed your State of the Union Address, consider the following questions and provide thoughtful responses.
- Have you ever watched a President deliver the State of Union Address?
- Which aspects of this assignment did you enjoy? Why?
- Where there any aspects of this assignment that you found difficult? Why?
Once you have completed your script, audio file, reflection, and Works Cited document, please submit your work to the dropbox.
Once you have completed this module, please complete the module test.