2013 State of the Union

Every year, the President of the United States delivers an address to the entire United States Congress.
Often, also in attendance are Supreme Court Judges, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cabinet members, and
numerous other government officials. During the speech the President shares the current condition
(state) of the country. The President also outlines his vision for the next year, as he will need the
cooperation of Congress due to our system of checks and balances. The requirement for this address is
found in the Constitution of the United States:
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 of the US Constitution

Start Time: 8:00 (or there about)

Channel(s): Multiple Network Channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Public TV) and cable (CNN, FOX, MSNBC)
Online: WAY COOL - http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2013
Schoology: Login, join the 8th Grade Team A live discussion!
Twitter: Follow the hashtag #SOTU on Twitter
1) If you listen closely to the pre-coverage you will hear about the Designated Survivor this is the
person who has been designated to take control of the government should the unthinkable
happen. Google Designated Survivor Wiki to learn more about this or click this link.
_________________________________________________ was the designated survivor for this State of the Union.
2) When delivering the State of the Union address, the President will usually insert the line or phrase,
The state of our union is strong. Listen for this catch phrase. Every modern President has used a
phrase similar to this. What time was it when President Obama used the catch phrase? _____________
3) President Ronald Regan started a tradition of bringing in special guests (who usually sit with the
First Lady) and are recognized during the speech. Who was a special guest recognized by the
President, and for what? ___________________________________________________________________________________
4) The President uses the State of the Union to update Congress and the American people on the state
of our country and the vision for the future. Though the challenges facing our country throughout
history have changed, many have remained constant. For example, in George Washingtons first
State of the Union he talked about national defense, gun ownership, immigration, and education.
You can safely bet President Obama will also speak about those four topics.

Summarize what President Obama said about two of the four things below:
National Defense:

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Gun Control/Gun Ownership:
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Immigration:

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Education:
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What do you think was the most important thing or topic that President Obama spoke about? Why?

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STATE OF THE UNION BINGO

1. Carefully watch and listen (or read) President Obamas State of the Union Address. When you hear one
of the words or phrases mentioned below, cross if off.
2. If he mentions it multiple times, feel free to keep a tally of the number of times each word or phrase is
mentioned.

NUCLEAR

TAX CUT(S)

IRAN

TRANSPORTATION

GREEN ENERGY

COLLEGE

SAFE

AFGHANISTAN

VETERANS

CONGRESS

ECONOMY

JOBS

FREE SPACE

CONFIDENCE

UNEMPLOYMENT

TRANSPARENCY

DEFENSE

POVERTY

FIRST LADY

TEACHERS

ENTREPRENEUR

CHILDREN

GUN VIOLENCE

CHINA

DEFECIT