State of the Union

State of the Union. .

"He shall from time to time give to Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient…" Article II, Section 3

, On January 8, 1790, Washington gave an address to a joint session of Congress in Federal Hall, New York City. In his message, Washington addressed several topics, including the establishment of a national currency and the need to pay the public debt., Washington's attention to the nation's fiscal troubles lent support to the Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton's proposal for a national bank. Established on February 25, 1791, the First Bank of the United States helped create the national currency, served as a depository for federal revenue, and provided a means to pay foreign debt. The original bank building still stands at 120 South Third Street, within Independence National Historical Park., Washington's example of reporting to Congress evolved into the modern State of the Union tradition. John Adams also delivered the address in person. From Thomas Jefferson through William Howard Taft, presidents submitted it in writing instead. Woodrow Wilson later revived the in-person address, a practice that continues today., In the State of the Union, the president describes the current condition of the nation. The address usually includes reports on the economy, legislation, military strength, foreign affairs, and other notable events and achievements of the past year. The president also outlines his administration's priorities for the coming year., [Captions:] , President George Washington's first Annual Message to Congress delivered on January 8, 1790. , Courtesy of the National Archives., Bank of the United States, in Third Street Philadelphia. , Courtesy of New York Public Library Digital Collections.