• President Donald Trump delivered his first speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. Although this speech is normally called the State of the Union address, presidents traditionally wait until their first year in office has been completed before using that title.


• Trump weighed in on the dispute over how to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, stating the government should help Americans purchase health care through the use of tax credits and expanded health savings accounts.


• The President condemned the recent shooting of an Indian man in Kansas and threats against Jewish communities across the country, after being criticized for not saying more on the issue.


• President Trump discussed an order he gave to the Department of Homeland Security to open a new office to serve American victims of crimes committed by immigrants, which elicited groans from some Democrats.


• While Republicans responded to many points in Trump's speech with standing ovations, Democrats mainly remained in their seats, signaling the continuing partisan divide. “President Trump’s speech had an air of unreality because what he said tonight was so different than how he has governed in the first 40 days,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York afterwards.

Class discussion questions

1. Essential question : What are some ways to increase unity among people on different sides of the political aisle in this country?


2. What is the purpose of a presidential address to Congress?


3. Amid heavy polarization in Congress, what are some ways President Trump could help unite the parties more?


4. What points did the President make that you agree with? Disagree with? Explain your answer.