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The writers of the Constitution intended for Congress to be the most powerful branch of government. In recent times, however, the president has become nearly as powerful. Although he is the single most important figure in our government, he must still have congressional approval for many of his actions. At
the beginning of each session of Congress, the president must report
on the State of the Union. The president gives his opinion, in this
important speech, of how the country is doing and presents his ideas
about what needs to be done in the coming year. The work of government
moves along smoothly when the president and Congress cooperate.
Otherwise, very little can be accomplished -- this is called "gridlock."
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