CALIFORNIA, USA — What was once just a few words written for a limited audience is now an event dominating television screens once a year.
The State of the Union address has gone from short and sweet to long and ceremonial.
"Over time it's turned into a tradition. It's turned into its own institution," said political science professor Kerwin Swint.
It hasn't always been called The State of the Union, and not every president has delivered one. Let's explore why it's become an annual event...
The U.S. Constitution says the president should give Congress information and measures he judges to be necessary from time to time. The president didn't appear before Congress in person early on.
"They simply sent a letter. I think a couple of presidents sent a telegram. It's taken different shapes and formats over time," said Swint.
According to historians with the U.S. House of Representatives, it was initially known as "The Annual Message" and it was a way to address budget and economic issues. Swint says the State of the Union evolved into an opportunity for the president to inform Congress of their priorities for the coming year. Radio and television changed everything.
"It's become a media event. A mass communication event to really communicate and get the message out with free air time," said Swint.
According to the U.S. House of Representatives, Bill Clinton's 1:25h address in 1995 is the longest-spoken State of the Union. Presidents William Henry Harrison and James Garfield are the only two who never delivered a "State of the Union" in writing or person.
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