The complete history of the US State of the Union address

The State of the Union address has a long, interesting history that dates back to President George Washington.The address is derived from the US Constitution, and different presidents have put their own spin on it due to the vague language of the text.In the present day, the State of the Union largely serves as an opportunity for the president to highlight his accomplishments while outlining his hopes for the future.The State of the Union is an annual address the president delivers before a joint session of Congress.Its history dates back to the first leader of the nation, President George Washington, and it's evolved and changed a number of times over the years.In the present day, the State of the Union largely serves as an opportunity for the president to emphasize the ways in which he feels his administration has been successful while also laying out his agenda and hopes for the future.Here's the history behind the State of the Union.Read more: Nancy Pelosi suggests Trump either postpone his State of the Union address until after the government shutdown ends, or submit it in writingRead more: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer walks back comment that Trump's State of the Union address 'is off'Read more: Nielsen says DHS and US Secret Service 'fully prepared' for State of Union security after Pelosi letter