Tune In To Teach

Tonight at 9 p.m. ET, the State of the Union will take place before a joint session of the United States Congress. This annual address serves as a visible reminder that the president is accountable to Congress, and ultimately, to the American people.

For parents, however, it is far more than policy updates and partisan applause. It is an opportunity to teach.

In a culture increasingly shaped by sin, outrage, entitlement, and division, the State of the Union offers a rare opportunity to slow down, gather our children, and witness a living civics lesson. It is a chance to teach them how to think — not merely what to think — about leadership, liberty, and the weight of national responsibility.

If we forsake discipling our children in these matters, someone else will gladly teach them. And if we fail to teach them how to “keep our republic,” echoing the warning attributed to Benjamin Franklin, we should not be surprised when we lose it.

First, teach the Facts

What is this speech, and why is it important?

While forming a new nation and drafting the Constitution, our Founding Fathers were determined to guard against tyranny and unchecked executive power. In Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution, they required that the president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union.” This was designed to promote transparency and ensure accountability for the president’s stewardship of the previous year.

Since George Washington delivered the first handwritten message to Congress in 1790, the State of the Union has evolved considerably.

Today, the address is now broadcast and livestreamed to a prime-time national and international audience, giving every American the opportunity to witness this historical moment.

Because the address is given before both chambers, the House and Senate must agree on the specific date and time. The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives then formally invites the president to speak in the House chamber. Since 1934, the State of the Union has traditionally been held in January or February.

Typically, the president reports on the condition of the nation, outlines legislative priorities for the coming year, and recognizes everyday Americans whose courage, service, or sacrifice reflect the best of our country.

Who is in attendance?

All three branches of the federal government gather in one room for the State of the Union: Congress (the legislative branch), the president and Cabinet (the executive branch), and the Supreme Court of the United States (the judicial branch).

Every member of Congress is permitted to bring one guest. The president and the Speaker of the House may each invite up to 24 guests. Traditionally, the president’s guests will sit with the first lady in the House gallery.

The Cabinet, Supreme Court justices, and senior military leaders have special reserved seating. Members of Congress may sit among colleagues and guests on the House floor. The vice president and the Speaker of the House sit directly behind the president on the dais —

a visual reminder of both support and constitutional balance.

How are guests chosen?

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan introduced the very first guest, Lenny Skutnik, a federal employee who dove into the icy Potomac River to rescue a passenger after a plane crash. Since then, it has become tradition for presidents to invite guests who have “distinguished themselves in some field or endeavor," according to the Congressional Research Service.(History, Evolution, and Practices of the President’s State of the Union Address: Frequently Asked Questions) Their presence puts a human face to the issues addressed in the speech.

What is a designated Survivor?

As a security precaution, one Cabinet member – commonly known as the “designated survivor” – does not attend the address. If a catastrophic event occurred in the Capitol while all three branches gathered, this remaining official would immediately assume the presidency, ensuring the government would persevere and continue.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it has also become customary for a small, bipartisan group of lawmakers to be kept away from the Capitol in an undisclosed location. This safeguard ensures there would be enough lawmakers left to form a new Congress and carry on the work of the nation.

What is the sequence of events during the SOTU?

Typically, members of the House begin gathering in the chamber around 8:30 p.m. When the deputy sergeant at arms announces the arrival of the vice president and senators, they enter together and take their seats.

The sergeant at arms then announces other distinguished guests – including foreign ambassadors, Supreme Court justices, and members of the Cabinet. Each group enters as called and is escorted to reserved seating, with the justices sitting near the front of the chamber.

At approximately 9:00 p.m., the president arrives at the chamber door. When all is ready, the House sergeant at arms calls out in a clear voice, “Mister Speaker, the president of the United States!”

This announcement is ceremonially and deeply symbolic. It emphasizes that the president enters the House chamber only by invitation – an obvious reminder that Congress is not subordinate to the president. This is a picture of clear constitutional order.

As applause fills the room, the president proceeds down the center aisle, pausing to shake hands and greet Congress members. Upon reaching the dais, the president gives copies of his speech to the speaker and vice president as applause continues.

Following tradition, the speaker formally introduces the president with the words, “Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States.”

Only then does the address officially begin.

In 1982, President Reagan also added another tradition when he declared, “The State of our Union is strong.” Since that time, most presidents have included a similar statement near the beginning of their remarks to affirm confidence and resolve in our nation.

How can we tell who approves of the speech?

The applause patterns and standing ovations represent far more than spontaneous celebration. They offer a visual snapshot of where our nation is unified and where it is divided.

As the president enters the chamber, members typically rise and applaud out of respect for the office, regardless of party. However, in recent years, it has become a quiet political statement to remain seated in defiance.

Throughout the address, it is common for the president’s party to stand, clap, and even cheer enthusiastically at policy proposals and accomplishments. Members of the opposing party often display their disagreement by remaining seated or withholding applause. Sadly, within the last decade, disrespectful outbursts of anger, along with coordinated outfits and symbolic gestures, have highlighted the deepening divisions within the chamber and our nation as a whole.

While less frequent now, bipartisan standing ovations still occur on occasion when the president recognizes military service members, Gold Star families, first responders, and ordinary citizens who performed extraordinary acts of service.

When the entire chamber rises to its feet, politics and hatred melt away. Those moments are profound. They remind us that beneath partisan debate lie shared values: sacrifice, service, bravery, and love of country. When the whole room stands as one, it’s no longer about party or platform — it’s a glimpse of the unity Americans still desire, and by God’s grace, can still reclaim.

Important Things to Pay Attention To

As you watch, encourage your children to look beyond the applause and political theater. Help them listen for substance, spot patriotism and unity, and discern tone, values, and vision.

Key Areas to Focus on:

Tone Toward the Nation

Does President Trump speak with gratitude for America? Does he acknowledge the blessings, freedoms, and responsibilities that define our nation? Does he express appreciation for the military and those who serve? Does he clearly communicate a commitment to put America first?

Unity or Division

Does the speech unite Americans toward a shared purpose or does it pit fellow citizens and certain groups as adversaries?

The Family

Are families recognized as foundational to a healthy society? Are parents acknowledged in their role of raising and educating children? Is marriage defined in a way that honors God?

Faith and Moral Clarity

Does President Trump recognize religious liberty as a foundational American principle? Does he respectfully honor God publicly? Is the dignity of human life clearly affirmed?

Most importantly, we must model faithful citizenship to our children. They are watching how we respond. Do we mock others? Do we become enraged? Or do we engage thoughtfully?

Christian citizenship is not passive. It is prayerful, intentional, informed, and principled.

If we want the next generation to cherish this republic, we must show them how.

Let patriotism begin in your living room.