• Article IV of the S.C. Constitution says: "The governor shall, from time to time, give to the General Assembly information on the condition of the state and recommend for its consideration such measures as he shall deem necessary or expedient."

• From that provision has grown the annual tradition of a State of the State address, usually delivered on the second Wednesday after the Legislature convenes in January.

• Lawmakers are not required to attend, although most do. The Senate will walk across the State House lobby to the larger House of Representatives chamber.

• Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, as president of the Senate, will preside.

• After Sanford's address, Senate Minority Leader John Land, D-Clarendon, will present the Democratic Party's official response.