1.  What spending procedure by Congress did President Bush say he would crack down on in his State of the Union speech last night?

2.  In his speech, President Bush emphasized "trusting and empowering the American people" to face our greatest challenges.  List the challenges the President spoke about.

3.  Name the two "front-burner issues" President Bush pushed Congress to move quickly on.

4.  What new initiatives did President Bush propose in his State of the Union?

5.  A fiscal hawk is someone who advocates less government spending.  Why have fiscal hawks and Democrats attacked President Bush for his spending record?

6.  What issue presented by President Bush was the most important to you?  Did any aspect of the speech disappoint you?  Explain your answers.  (For the text and video of the 2008 State of the Union address, click here.)

7.  In a president's last year in office, he is often referred to as a "lame duck" because it is believed that he will be ineffective in carrying out any current or new policies.  Do you think President Bush will be effective in carrying out his proposals in his last State of the Union speech?  Explain your answer.