1984 State of the Union Address facts for kids
The 1984 State of the Union address was a very important speech given by President Ronald Reagan. He delivered it to a special meeting of the United States Congress on January 25, 1984. This was the third time President Reagan gave this speech during his first term as president.
The speech lasted about 43 minutes and had almost 5,000 words. People across the country could listen to it live on radio and watch it on television.
Contents
What is the State of the Union?
The State of the Union address is a big speech the President of the United States gives every year. It happens in front of both parts of the U.S. Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. In this speech, the President talks about how the country is doing. They also share their plans and ideas for the future. It's a way for the President to talk directly to the American people and their elected leaders.
President Reagan's 1984 Speech
On January 25, 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave his third State of the Union speech. He spoke about his goals for the country. These speeches are a big deal because they set the tone for the year ahead. They let everyone know what the President thinks is most important.
Who Listened to the Speech?
The speech was given to a joint session of the 98th U.S. Congress. This means that all the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate gathered together in one room to hear the President speak. Many other important people, like Supreme Court justices and Cabinet members, also attend.
The Democratic Party's Reply
After the President's speech, the main opposing political group, the Democratic Party, gave their own response. This is a chance for them to share their views. They can agree with some points or offer different ideas for the country. It's an important part of how politics works in the United States.
Key Speakers in the Response
Several important members of the Democratic Party gave their response to President Reagan's speech. These included senators like Joe Biden from Delaware, David Boren from Oklahoma, Carl Levin from Michigan, and Max Baucus from Montana. Other senators, including Robert Byrd from West Virginia, Claiborne Pell from Rhode Island, and Walter Huddleston from Kentucky, also spoke. Members of the House of Representatives, such as Dante B. Fascell from Florida, Tom Harkin from Iowa, and William Gray from Pennsylvania, also participated. The Speaker of the House, Thomas O’Neill from Massachusetts, and Representative Barbara Boxer from California, were also part of the response.
