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• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2011 [August 12, 2011]

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  "Ninety-three women currently serve in the 112th Congress: 76 in the House (52 Democrats and 24 Republicans) and 17 in the Senate (12 Democrats and 5 Republicans). Ninety-two women were initially sworn in to the 112th Congress, but one Democratic House Member has since resigned, and two others have been elected. This number (92) is lower than the record number of 95 women who were initially elected to the 111th Congress. The first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT, 1917-1919, 1941-1943). The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA). She was appointed in 1922 and served for only one day. A total of 276 women have served in Congress, 176 Democrats and 100 Republicans. Of these women, 237 (151 Democrats, 86 Republicans) have served only in the House of Representatives; 31 (19 Democrats, 12 Republicans) have served only in the Senate; and 8 (6 Democrats, 2 Republicans) have served in both houses. […] Eighteen women in the House, and 10 women in the Senate, have chaired committees. In the 112th Congress, one woman chairs a House committee, and five women chair Senate committees, with one female Senator chairing two committees. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, in the 110th and 111th Congresses. This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 276 women who have served in Congress. It will be updated when there are relevant changes in the makeup of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2011-08-12
• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2011 [October 31, 2011]

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  "Ninety-three women currently serve in the 112th Congress: 76 in the House (52 Democrats and 24 Republicans) and 17 in the Senate (12 Democrats and 5 Republicans). Ninety-two women were initially sworn in to the 112th Congress, but one Democratic House Member has since resigned, and two others have been elected. This number (92) is lower than the record number of 95 women who were initially elected to the 111th Congress. The first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT, 1917-1919, 1941-1943). The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA). She was appointed in 1922 and served for only one day. A total of 276 women have served in Congress, 176 Democrats and 100 Republicans. […] A total of 31 African American or black women have served in Congress (1 in the Senate, 30 in the House), including the 15 serving in the 112th Congress. Eight Hispanic women have been elected to the House; seven serve in the 112th Congress. Six Asian American women have served in the House, including four in the 112th Congress. Eighteen women in the House, and 10 women in the Senate, have chaired committees. In the 112th Congress, one woman chairs a House committee, and five women chair Senate committees, with one female Senator chairing two committees. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, in the 110th and 111th Congresses. This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 276 women who have served in Congress. It will be updated when there are relevant changes in the makeup of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2011-10-31
• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2012 [November 26, 2012]

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  "Ninety-four women currently serve in the 112th Congress: 77 in the House (53 Democrats and 24 Republicans) and 17 in the Senate (12 Democrats and 5 Republicans). Ninety-two women were initially sworn in to the 112th Congress, two women Democratic House Members have since resigned, and four others have been elected. This number (94) is lower than the record number of 95 women who were initially elected to the 111th Congress. The first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT, 1917-1919, 1941-1943). The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA). She was appointed in 1922 and served for only one day. A total of 278 women have served in Congress, 178 Democrats and 100 Republicans. Of these women, 239 (153 Democrats, 86 Republicans) have served only in the House of Representatives; 31 (19 Democrats, 12 Republicans) have served only in the Senate; and 8 (6 Democrats, 2 Republicans) have served in both houses. These figures include one non-voting Delegate each from Guam, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. […] This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 278 women who have served in Congress. It will be updated when there are relevant changes in the makeup of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2012-11-26
• African American Members of the United States Congress: 1870-2012 [November 26, 2012]

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  "There are 43 African American Members serving in the 112th Congress, all in the House of Representatives. There have been 133 African American Members of Congress: 127 have been elected to the House; 5 have been elected to the Senate; and 1 has been appointed to the Senate. There have been 104 Democrats, 101 in the House and 3 in the Senate; and 29 Republicans, 26 in the House and 3 in the Senate. The number of African American Members has steadily increased since the first African Americans entered Congress in 1870. There were fewer than 10 Members until the 91st Congress (1969-1971). In the 98th Congress (1983-1985), the number surpassed 20 for the first time and then jumped to 40 in the 103rd Congress (1993-1995). Since the 106th Congress (1999-2001), the number has remained between 39 and 44 serving at any one time. […] This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2012-11-26
• African American Members of the United States Congress: 1870-2011 [April 8, 2011]

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  "There are 44 African American Members serving in the 112th Congress, all in the House of Representatives. There have been 132 African American Members of Congress: 126 have been elected to the House; five have been elected to the Senate; and one has been appointed to the Senate. There have been 103 Democrats, 100 in the House and 3 in the Senate; and 29 Republicans, 26 in the House and 3 in the Senate. The number of African American Members has steadily increased since the first African Americans entered Congress in 1870. There were fewer than 10 Members until the 91st Congress (1969-1971). In the 98th Congress (1983-1985), the number surpassed 20 for the first time and then jumped to 40 in the 103rd Congress (1993-1995). Since the 106th Congress (1999-2001), the number has remained between 39 and 44 serving at any one time. [...] Twenty African Americans have served as committee chairs, 19 in the House and one in the Senate. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), whose origins date back to 1969, currently has 43 members. Over its 40-year history, the CBC has been one of the most influential caucuses in Congress. This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2011-04-08
• President's State of the Union Address: Tradition, Function, and Policy Implications [November 17, 2010]

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  "The State of the Union (SOTU) address is a communication between the President and Congress in which the chief executive reports on the current conditions of the United States and provides policy proposals for the upcoming legislative year. Formerly known as the 'Annual Message,' the State of the Union address originates in the Constitution. As part of the system of checks and balances, Article II, Section 3, clause 1 mandates 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.' In recent decades, the President has expanded his State of the Union audience, addressing the speech to both the nation and Members of Congress. Over time, the State of the Union address has evolved considerably. [...] Although each President uses the State of the Union address to outline his administration's policy agenda, most incorporate common rhetorical arguments and ceremonial traditions. Bipartisanship, attention to both the past and the future, and optimism are recurring themes in State of the Union addresses. [...] Presidents can also use the State of the Union address to increase media attention for a particular issue. Immediately following the State of the Union address, the political party not occupying the White House provides an opposition response. The response, usually much shorter than the State of the Union, outlines the opposition party's policy agenda and serves as an official rejoinder to the proposals outlined by the President."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Neale, Thomas H.

  2010-11-17
• African American Members of the United States Congress: 1870-2009 [February 2, 2010]

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  "There are 42 African American Members serving in the 111th Congress, 41 in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. President Barack Obama served in the Senate until he resigned on November 16, 2008. There have been 125 African American Members of Congress: 119 have been elected to the House; five have been elected to the Senate; and one has been appointed to the Senate. There have been 98 Democrats: 95 in the House, three in the Senate; and 27 Republicans: 24 in the House, three in the Senate. The number of African American Members has steadily increased since the first African Americans entered Congress in 1870. There were fewer than 10 Members until the 91st Congress (1969-1971). In the 98th Congress (1983-1985), the number surpassed 20 for the first time and then jumped to 40 in the 103rd Congress (1993-1995). Since the 106th Congress (1999-2001), the number has remained between 39 and 43 serving at any one time. [...] Twenty African Americans have served as committee chairs, 19 in the House and one in the Senate. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), whose origins date back to 1969, currently has 42 members. Over its 40-year history, the CBC has been one of the most influential caucuses in Congress. This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Manning, Jennifer E.

  2010-02-02
• Social Networking and Constituent Communications: Member Use of Twitter During a Two-Month Period in the 111th Congress [February 3, 2010]

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  "This report examines Member use of one specific new electronic communication medium: Twitter. After providing an overview and background of Twitter, the report analyzes patterns of Member use of Twitter during August and September 2009. This report is inherently a snapshot in time of a dynamic process. As with any new technology, the number of Members using Twitter and the patterns of use may change rapidly in short periods of time. Thus, the conclusions drawn from this data can not be easily generalized nor can these results be used to predict future behavior. The data show that 205 Representatives and Senators are registered with Twitter (as of September 30, 2009) and issued a total of 7,078 'tweets' during the data collection period of August and September 2009. With approximately 38% of House Members and 39% of Senators registered with Twitter, Members sent an average of 116 tweets per day collectively. Members' use of Twitter can be divided into eight categories: position taking, policy, district or state activities, official congressional action, personal, media, campaign activities, and other. The data suggest that the most frequent type of tweets were district or state tweets (24%), followed by policy tweets (23%), media tweets (14%), and position-taking tweets (14%)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Glassman, Matthew; Straus, Jacob R.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2010-02-03
• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2009 [December 23, 2009]

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  "This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) districts of the 260 women who have served in Congress. It will be updated when there are changes in the makeup of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2009-12-23
• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2011 [September 27, 2011]

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  "This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 276 women who have served in Congress. It will be updated when there are relevant changes in the makeup of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2011-09-27
• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2012 [January 27, 2012]

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  "This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 276 women who have served in Congress. It will be updated when there are relevant changes in the makeup of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2012-01-27
• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2011 [March 18, 2011]

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  "This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 274 women who have served in Congress. It will be updated when there are relevant changes in the makeup of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Smelcer, Susan Navarro; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Manning, Jennifer E.

  2011-03-18
• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2011 [February 24, 2011]

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  "This report identifies the names, committee assignments, dates of service, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 274 women who have served in Congress. It will be updated when there are relevant changes in the makeup of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Smelcer, Susan Navarro

  2011-02-24
• Social Networking and Constituent Communications: Members' Use of Twitter and Facebook During a Two-Month Period in the 112th Congress [March 22, 2013]

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  "Communication between Members of Congress and their constituents has changed with the development of new online social networking services. Many Members now use e-mail, official websites, blogs, YouTube channels, Twitter, and Facebook pages to communicate with their constituents--technologies that were either non-existent or not widely available 20 years ago. Social networking services have arguably served to enhance the ability of Members of Congress to fulfill their representational duties by providing greater opportunities for communication between the Member and individual constituents. In addition, electronic communication technology has reduced the marginal cost of constituent communications; unlike postal letters, Members can reach large numbers of constituents for a fixed cost. This report examines Member adoption and use of two social networking services: Twitter and Facebook. The report analyzes data on Member use of Twitter and Facebook collected by an academic institution in collaboration with the Congressional Research Service during a two-month period between August and October 2011 and the adoption of both platforms as of January 2012."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Glassman, Matthew; Straus, Jacob R.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2013-03-22
• Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2012 [March 21, 2012]

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  "Two hundred seventy-seven women have been elected or appointed to the U.S. Congress. Jeannette Rankin (R-MT) has the distinction of being the first woman elected to serve in Congress. On November 9, 1916, she was elected to the House of Representatives as Montana's Representative-at-Large to the 65th Congress (1917-1919). Since Rankin's election, 276 additional women have served in Congress. These 277 women include 177 Democrats and 100 Republicans. Two hundred thirty-eight (152 Democrats, 86 Republicans) have served only in the House of Representatives; 31 (19 Democrats, 12 Republicans) have served only in the Senate; and eight (6 Democrats, 2 Republicans) have served in both houses. Of those in the House, four (3 Democrats, 1 Republican) have been Delegates to Congress. Ninety-three women serve in the 112th Congress: 76 in the House (52 Democrats and 24 Republicans) and 17 in the Senate (12 Democrats and 5 Republicans). Three of the women who serve in the House are Delegates, representing the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; all are Democrats. Excluding Delegates, women currently hold 73 (16.8%) seats in the House of Representatives and 17 (17%) seats in the Senate, totaling 90 (16.8%) of the 535 voting seats in the 112th Congress. Including Delegates, women currently hold 76 seats in the House of Representatives, and 17 in the Senate, totaling 93 seats (17.2%) in the entire Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2012-03-21
• African American Members of the United States Congress: 1870-2012 [March 6, 2012]

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  "One hundred thirty-two African Americans have served in the U.S. Congress: 126 in the House and 6 in the Senate. Of these, 31 have been women. A record 43 African American Members (all in the House, including two delegates) serve in the 112th Congress. All but 2 are Democrats and 15 are women. No African Americans have served in both houses of Congress. The majority of African American Members of Congress (103) have been Democrats; 29 have been Republicans. Five others, all Democrats, have served as Delegates to the House. All of the Democrats have been elected in the 20th and 21st centuries. Twenty-two African American Republicans served in the 19th century House, five in the 20th century (four in the House and one in the Senate), and one was reelected to a single term in the 21st century before retiring. Two others have been elected to the House in the 21st century."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2012-03-06
• President's State of the Union Address: Tradition, Function, and Policy Implications [January 12, 2009]

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  "Over time, the State of the Union address has evolved considerably. The format and delivery of the speech has changed, and its length has fluctuated widely. Technology has also influenced the delivery of the address, with the advent of radio, television, and the Internet playing significant roles in the transformation. Although each President uses the State of the Union address to outline his administration's policy agenda, most incorporate common rhetorical arguments and ceremonial traditions. Bipartisanship, attention to both the past and the future, and optimism are recurring themes in State of the Union addresses. The legislative success rate of policy proposals mentioned in State of the Union addresses varies widely. Addresses given after a President's election or reelection and during periods of unified party government tend to produce higher rates of legislative success. Presidents can also use the State of the Union address to increase media attention for a particular issue. Immediately following the State of the Union address, the political party not occupying the White House provides an opposition response. The response, usually much shorter than the State of the Union, outlines the opposition party's policy agenda and serves as an official rejoinder to the proposals outlined by the President."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Neale, Thomas H.

  2009-01-12
• Women in the United States Congress: Historical Overview, Tables, and Discussion [September 26, 2013]

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  "(1) The first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (RMT, 1917-1919, 1941-1943). The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA). She was appointed in 1922 and served for only one day. Hattie Caraway (D-AR, 1931-1945) was the first Senator to succeed her husband and the first woman elected to a six-year Senate term. A total of 297 women have served in Congress, 193 Democrats and 104 Republicans. […] (2) A total of 33 African American women have served in Congress (1 in the Senate, 32 in the House), including 17 serving in the 113th Congress. Ten Hispanic women have been elected to the House; nine serve in the 113th Congress. Nine Asian Pacific American women have served in Congress (8 in the House, 1 in both the House and Senate), including seven in the 113th Congress. […] This report includes a discussion of the impact of women in Congress as well as historical information, including the number and percentage of women in Congress over time, means of entry to Congress, comparisons to international and state legislatures, records for tenure, firsts for women in Congress, women in leadership, and African American and Asian Pacific American women in Congress. The report may reflect data at the beginning or end of each Congress, or changes during a Congress. See the notes throughout the report for information on the currency of the data."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Brudnick, Ida A.

  2013-09-26
• Women in the United States Congress: Historical Overview, Tables, and Discussion [February 18, 2014]

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  "A record 102 women currently serve in the 113th Congress: 82 in the House (63 Democrats and 19 Republicans) and 20 in the Senate (16 Democrats and 4 Republicans). One hundred one women were initially sworn in to the 113th Congress--1 female Republican House Member has since resigned, and 2 Democratic House Members have been elected. This is higher than the previous record number of 95 women who were initially elected to the 111th Congress. (1) The first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (RMT, 1917-1919, 1941-1943). The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA). She was appointed in 1922 and served for only one day. Hattie Caraway (D-AR, 1931-1945) was the first Senator to succeed her husband and the first woman elected to a six-year Senate term. (2) A total of 298 women have served in Congress, 194 Democrats and 104 Republicans. Of these women, 254 (165 Democrats, 89 Republicans) have served only in the House of Representatives; 34 (21 Democrats, 13 Republicans) have served only in the Senate; and 10 (8 Democrats, 2 Republicans) have served in both houses. These figures include 4 non-voting Delegates, 1 each from Guam, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (3) A total of 33 African American women have served in Congress (1 in the Senate, 32 in the House), including 17 serving in the 113th Congress. Ten Hispanic women have been elected to the House; nine serve in the 113th Congress. Nine Asian Pacific American women have served in Congress (8 in the House, 1 in both the House and Senate), including seven in the 113th Congress. (4)Nineteen women in the House, and 13 women in the Senate, have chaired committees. In the 113th Congress, 1 woman chairs a House committee, and 7 women chair Senate committees, with 1 female Senator chairing two committees."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Brudnick, Ida A.

  2014-02-18
• Women in Congress: Historical Overview, Tables, and Discussion [April 29, 2015]

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  "This report includes a discussion of the impact of women in Congress as well as historical information, including the number and percentage of women in Congress over time, means of entry to Congress, comparisons to international and state legislatures, records for tenure, firsts for women in Congress, women in leadership, and African American, Asian Pacific American, and Hispanic women in Congress. The report may reflect data at the beginning or end of each Congress, or changes during a Congress. See the notes throughout the report for information on the currency of the data."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Manning, Jennifer E.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Brudnick, Ida A.

  2015-04-29
• Women in the United States Congress: Historical Overview, Tables, and Discussion [December 16, 2013]

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  "A record 102 women currently serve in the 113th Congress: 82 in the House (63 Democrats and 19 Republicans) and 20 in the Senate (16 Democrats and 4 Republicans). One hundred one women were initially sworn in to the 113th Congress--1 female Republican House Member has since resigned, and 2 Democratic House Members have been elected. This is higher than the previous record number of 95 women who were initially elected to the 111th Congress. […] This report includes a discussion of the impact of women in Congress as well as historical information, including the number and percentage of women in Congress over time, means of entry to Congress, comparisons to international and state legislatures, records for tenure, firsts for women in Congress, women in leadership, and African American and Asian Pacific American women in Congress. The report may reflect data at the beginning or end of each Congress, or changes during a Congress. See the notes throughout the report for information on the currency of the data. For additional biographical information, including the names, committee assignments, dates of service, listings by Congress and state, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the 297 women who have served in Congress, see CRS Report RL30261, 'Women in the United States Congress, 1917-2013: Biographical and Committee Assignment Information, and Listings by State and Congress', by Jennifer E. Manning and Ida A. Brudnick."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.; Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Manning, Jennifer E.

  2013-12-16
• President's State of the Union Address: Tradition, Function, and Policy Implications [January 16, 2015]

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  "The State of the Union address is a communication between the President and Congress in which the chief executive reports on the current conditions of the United States and provides policy proposals for the upcoming legislative year. […] Over time, the State of the Union address has evolved considerably. The format and delivery of the speech have changed, and its length has fluctuated widely. Technology has also influenced the delivery of the address, with the advent of radio, television, and the Internet playing significant roles in the transformation. Although each President uses the State of the Union address to outline his Administration's policy agenda, most incorporate common rhetorical arguments and ceremonial traditions. Bipartisanship, attention to both the past and the future, and optimism are recurring themes in State of the Union addresses. The legislative success rate of policy proposals mentioned in State of the Union addresses varies widely. Addresses given after a President's election or reelection and during periods of unified party government tend to produce higher rates of legislative success. Presidents can also use the State of the Union address to increase media attention for a particular issue. Immediately following the State of the Union address, the political party not occupying the White House provides an opposition response. The response, usually much shorter than the State of the Union, outlines the opposition party's policy agenda and serves as an official rejoinder to the proposals outlined by the President."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2015-01-16
• President's State of the Union Address: Tradition, Function, and Policy Implications [December 17, 2012]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The State of the Union address is a communication between the President and Congress in which the chief executive reports on the current conditions of the United States and provides policy proposals for the upcoming legislative year. Formerly known as the 'Annual Message,' the State of the Union address originates in the Constitution. As part of the system of checks and balances, Article II, Section 3, clause 1 mandates 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.' In recent decades, the President has expanded his State of the Union audience, addressing the speech to both the nation and Members of Congress. Over time, the State of the Union address has evolved considerably. The format and delivery of the speech have changed, and its length has fluctuated widely. Technology has also influenced the delivery of the address, with the advent of radio, television, and the Internet playing significant roles in the transformation. Although each President uses the State of the Union address to outline his administration's policy agenda, most incorporate common rhetorical arguments and ceremonial traditions. Bipartisanship, attention to both the past and the future, and optimism are recurring themes in State of the Union addresses. "

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Neale, Thomas H.

  2012-12-17
• President's State of the Union Address: Tradition, Function, and Policy Implications [January 10, 2012]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The State of the Union address is a communication between the President and Congress in which the chief executive reports on the current conditions of the United States and provides policy proposals for the upcoming legislative year. Formerly known as the 'Annual Message,' the State of the Union address originates in the Constitution. As part of the system of checks and balances, Article II, Section 3, clause 1 mandates 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.' In recent decades, the President has expanded his State of the Union audience, addressing the speech to both the nation and Members of Congress. Over time, the State of the Union address has evolved considerably. The format and delivery of the speech have changed, and its length has fluctuated widely. Technology has also influenced the delivery of the address, with the advent of radio, television, and the Internet playing significant roles in the transformation. Although each President uses the State of the Union address to outline his administration's policy agenda, most incorporate common rhetorical arguments and ceremonial traditions. Bipartisanship, attention to both the past and the future, and optimism are recurring themes in State of the Union addresses. The legislative success rate of policy proposals mentioned in State of the Union addresses varies widely. Addresses given after a President's election or reelection and during periods of unified party government tend to produce higher rates of legislative success. Presidents can also use the State of the Union address to increase media attention for a particular issue. Immediately following the State of the Union address, the political party not occupying the White House provides an opposition response. The response, usually much shorter than the State of the Union, outlines the opposition party's policy agenda and serves as an official rejoinder to the proposals outlined by the President."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-; Neale, Thomas H.

  2012-01-10
• President's State of the Union Address: Tradition, Function, and Policy Implications [January 24,2014]

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  "The State of the Union address is a communication between the President and Congress in which the chief executive reports on the current conditions of the United States and provides policy proposals for the upcoming legislative year. Formerly known as the 'Annual Message,' the State of the Union address originates in the Constitution. As part of the system of checks and balances, Article II, Section 3, clause 1 mandates 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.' In recent decades, the President has expanded his State of the Union audience, addressing the speech to both the nation and Members of Congress. Over time, the State of the Union address has evolved considerably. The format and delivery of the speech have changed, and its length has fluctuated widely. Technology has also influenced the delivery of the address, with the advent of radio, television, and the Internet playing significant roles in the transformation. Although each President uses the State of the Union address to outline his administration's policy agenda, most incorporate common rhetorical arguments and ceremonial traditions. Bipartisanship, attention to both the past and the future, and optimism are recurring themes in State of the Union addresses. "

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Shogan, Colleen J., 1975-

  2014-01-24