How to Cite United States Constitution
The United States Constitution is one of the most important legal documents in the world, serving as the foundation of the American legal system. Whether you are writing a research paper, a legal brief, or a scholarly article, it is crucial to accurately cite the Constitution. Proper citation not only demonstrates your knowledge of legal sources but also enhances the credibility of your work. In this article, we will discuss the different methods of citing the United States Constitution, including MLA, APA, and Chicago styles.
MLA Style
In MLA style, you should cite the Constitution by including the title, the volume number (if applicable), the edition, the publisher, and the year of publication. For example:
> United States Constitution. 4th ed., Oceana Publications, 2010.
When citing a specific section or clause, include the article, section, and clause numbers. For instance:
> Article I, Section 8, Clause 18.
In the Works Cited list, include the full title of the Constitution and the publisher information:
> United States Constitution. 4th ed., Oceana Publications, 2010.
APA Style
In APA style, you should include the title of the Constitution, the edition, the publisher, and the year of publication. For example:
> United States Constitution (4th ed.). Oceana Publications.
When citing a specific section or clause, include the article, section, and clause numbers. For instance:
> Article I, Section 8, Clause 18.
In the References list, include the full title of the Constitution and the publisher information:
> United States Constitution. (4th ed.). Oceana Publications.
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, you should cite the Constitution by including the title, the volume number (if applicable), the edition, the publisher, and the year of publication. For example:
> United States Constitution. 4th ed., Oceana Publications, 2010.
When citing a specific section or clause, include the article, section, and clause numbers. For instance:
> Article I, Section 8, Clause 18.
In the Bibliography, include the full title of the Constitution and the publisher information:
> United States Constitution. 4th ed., Oceana Publications, 2010.
Conclusion
Proper citation of the United States Constitution is essential for legal research and writing. By following the guidelines for MLA, APA, and Chicago styles, you can ensure that your work is accurate and credible. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your instructor or publisher when citing legal sources.
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