When delving into the realm of academic research, particularly in fields such as law, political science, and history, citations are an indispensable tool for crediting original authors and facilitating the traceability of information sources. Among the various citation styles, MLA (Modern Language Association) stands out as a widely adopted standard, especially in the humanities. However, citing the U.S. Constitution, a foundational legal document, can sometimes pose challenges due to its unique nature and the absence of authors in the conventional sense. This guide aims to provide clarity on how to cite the U.S. Constitution in MLA format, simplifying the research process for scholars and students alike.
Understanding MLA Citation Basics
Before diving into the specifics of citing the Constitution, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental principles of MLA citation. MLA style requires a Works Cited page at the end of the research paper, where full citations for all sources are listed. In-text citations, which are brief references to the source, are included in the body of the paper to direct readers to the corresponding entry in the Works Cited list.
Citing the U.S. Constitution in MLA
Citing a document like the U.S. Constitution in MLA involves identifying the title of the document, the article or amendment being referenced, and any relevant publication information if the Constitution is being cited from a specific source, such as a book or database.
In-Text Citation
When referencing the U.S. Constitution in the text of your research paper, you typically do not need a parenthetical citation. Instead, include the reference in the text, specifying the article or amendment. For example:
The U.S. Constitution outlines the framework of the federal government in Article I, which deals with legislative powers. Amendment XIV, Section 1, addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law.
If the citation directly follows a quotation, you might mention the Constitution in the sentence and then provide the quotation, like so:
As stated in the U.S. Constitution, “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America” (Article II, Section 1), illustrating the vesting of executive power.
Works Cited Entry
When creating a Works Cited entry for the U.S. Constitution, MLA suggests the following format:
U.S. Constitution. Art./Amend. Title of Article/Amendment. Publication Information, if applicable.
For example, if you are citing the First Amendment, which does not have a formal title in the same way articles do, your Works Cited entry might look like this:
U.S. Constitution. Amend. I.
If you accessed the Constitution through a specific publication, the Works Cited entry could be adjusted to include that information:
U.S. Constitution. Amend. I. The Founding Documents, edited by David T. Evans, Publication Publisher, 2010, pp. 10-15.
Special Considerations
- Online Sources: If you accessed the Constitution online, through a government website, database, or another online source, include the title of the container (if applicable), the publisher or website name, the publication date, and the URL. For example:
U.S. Constitution. Amend. I. National Archives and Records Administration, 2020, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution.
- Specific Editions or Translations: If you are citing a particular edition or translation of the Constitution, include that information in your Works Cited entry:
U.S. Constitution. Translated by Jane Doe, Oxford University Press, 2015.
Best Practices for Research
- Accuracy: Ensure all citations are accurate and conform to the latest MLA guidelines.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in citation style throughout your research paper.
- Thoroughness: Include all necessary sources in your Works Cited page to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the original authors.
Conclusion
Citing the U.S. Constitution in MLA format can be straightforward once you understand the basic principles of MLA citation and apply them to the unique characteristics of the Constitution. By following the guidelines outlined above and consulting the latest MLA Handbook or online resources for any updates, researchers can ensure their citations are accurate, complete, and professional. This not only enhances the credibility of their work but also facilitates a smoother research process, allowing scholars to focus on the substance of their arguments and the exploration of their ideas.
FAQs
How do I cite the U.S. Constitution in MLA for a research paper?
+To cite the U.S. Constitution in MLA, you typically reference the document in the text by mentioning the article or amendment number. For the Works Cited page, use “U.S. Constitution” as the title, followed by the article or amendment, and any publication information if accessed through a specific source.
What information is needed for an in-text citation of the U.S. Constitution?
+For in-text citations, you usually mention the article or amendment of the U.S. Constitution in the sentence, without needing a parenthetical citation. For example, “The U.S. Constitution’s Article I outlines legislative powers.”
How do I cite the U.S. Constitution if it’s accessed online?
+If accessed online, include the title of the container, the publisher or website name, the publication date, and the URL in your Works Cited entry. For example, “U.S. Constitution. National Archives and Records Administration, 2020, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution.”
