Introduction

This online exhibit from the archives of the Clinton Presidential Library provides audiovisual materials, selected documents, and links to speechwriting collections on President Clinton’s State of the Union Addresses.

President Clinton’s State of the Union Addresses (or SOTUs) were based in Article II Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution which says 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."

Following the Constitution and the tradition of former Presidents, President Clinton recommended policy goals (such as his plans for economic and healthcare reform) to a Joint Session of Congress in January or February each year.