Question

A main purpose of the president’s State of the Union address is to

identify major policy issues.
explain Supreme Court decisions.
challenge congressional actions.
speak out against political opponents.

Answer 1

Answer:

The address fulfills the requirement in Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution for the President to periodically "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."

Answer 2

(a) identify major policy issues.

Explanation:

• The President's State of the Union address is the president’s annual message to a joint session of Congress that comprises a budget message, recommended evaluations and legislation of the country’s economic health and top priorities.

• The State of the Union address is seen as very important to US politics. It is an instance when all 3  branches of the US govt. assemble under one roof:

1. (i) Members of both houses of Congress comprising the legislature,
2. (ii) The President's Cabinet comprising  the executive
3. (ii) The Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court comprising the judiciary.
4. (iv) The military as represented by the Staff's Joint Chiefs
5. (v) Foreign govts. represented by the Diplomatic Corps' Dean.

• The address is used to celebrate the contributions of many ordinary Americans, who are invited by the President to sit with the First Lady.