Lesson 9: The Bully Pulpit and the State of the Union
Duration of Days: 2
Lesson Objective
Define the concept of the presidential bully pulpit and explain how it represents an informal power of the presidency.
Analyze how a president uses the State of the Union Address to set the national agenda and influence public opinion.
Identify and evaluate rhetorical strategies used in a State of the Union Address and explain how these strategies enhance or limit presidential persuasion.
Explain the relationship between the president and Congress as reflected in the State of the Union, including how the president attempts to pressure or persuade legislators.
Connect the State of the Union to AP Government concepts, including informal powers, agenda setting, public opinion, and separation of powers.
Assess the impact of political context (such as divided government, crises, or elections) on the president’s use of the bully pulpit.
Evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of the bully pulpit, using evidence from the speech and constitutional or political constraints.
How does the informal powers of the Presidency lead to him passing his agenda.
CG.Inq.4.c. Critique political arguments and explanations while acknowledging the strengths and
weaknesses given the purpose and audience (credibility, bias, reasoning, sequencing,
details).
DOK Level 3 - Analyze how specific rhetorical choices strengthen or weaken the president’s use of the bully pulpit.
Examine how political context (divided government, crises, public opinion) shapes the message of the address.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the State of the Union in persuading Congress or the public, using evidence.
If timed correctly with the annual state of the union address this can be fully tied into the presidency and current events.
Scaffolded Viewing Materials:
Provide:
A guided note-taking template with prompts
A glossary of key AP terms (bully pulpit, agenda setting, informal powers, public opinion)
Optional transcript with key sections highlighted
Completed worksheet.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uyzpHbCLiV4a79cmYzVoMDg4sihdcP8uQuVlTPS56Ew/edit?tab=t.0