What is the purpose of the State of the Union address?

The State of the Union address serves primarily to inform Congress and the public about the President's legislative agenda and priorities. This annual speech, delivered to a joint session of Congress, provides the President with an opportunity to outline the major initiatives and goals for the upcoming year. In this address, the President discusses economic conditions, domestic and foreign policy issues, and legislative proposals, aiming to garner support from Congress and engage the public in the national conversation.

While other options mention significant aspects of presidential functions, they do not encompass the main purpose of the State of the Union address. For example, announcing military strategies or delivering the budget may be part of the broader discussion in various contexts, but the core of the State of the Union is the comprehensive presentation of the President's policy goals and legislative framework. Signing or vetoing legislation is a critical executive function but occurs outside the context of this formal address. Thus, the key function of the State of the Union is to communicate and emphasize the President's agenda to lawmakers and the nation.