How does a President typically express their agenda to Congress?

The State of the Union Address is a formal opportunity for the President to outline their legislative agenda, priorities, and key issues facing the nation. This annual speech is delivered to a joint session of Congress and is attended by lawmakers, the Supreme Court, and other dignitaries. During this address, the President articulates specific goals for the upcoming year, recommends measures, and discusses achievements from the past year.

This platform is significant because it allows the President to communicate directly with Congress and the American public, setting the tone for the administration’s policies and legislative efforts. Furthermore, it is rooted in constitutional tradition, reinforcing the President's role in the legislative process and emphasizing the collaborative relationship intended between branches of government. The other methods listed—executive orders, press conferences, and social media—are useful communication tools but do not carry the same weight or formal purpose in conveying a comprehensive agenda to Congress.