TEACHING ECONOMICS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS: WORDS VERSUS REALITY

Dennis S. Edwards
Coastal Carolina University
ABSTRACT
This study uses the “President’s annual State of the Union address” to Congress in
providing examples of past policy goals concerning the deficit, federal bureaucracy, and taxes.
The address is an excellent pedagogical device while worthwhile for teaching students about the
history behind such policy. The author has found that, by comparing the stated policy in the
address to the ultimate reality, students are better motivated in distinguishing between real
economic results and presidential rhetoric.