The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document. Proper citation of historical texts is crucial in academic and professional writing. Accurate citation acknowledges original sources, allows readers to verify information, and upholds academic integrity.
Key Considerations for Citing the Declaration
Citing the Declaration of Independence involves unique considerations due to its nature as a primary source and public domain status. It lacks a single author, being a collective effort, though Thomas Jefferson drafted the initial version. Its adoption date, July 4, 1776, is significant for any citation. When referencing the Declaration, cite the specific version or source consulted. This could be a transcription from an authoritative repository like the National Archives or a reprint in an anthology.
Citing in MLA Style
When citing the Declaration of Independence in MLA style (9th edition), a full Works Cited entry is often not required, with in-text citations usually sufficient. However, if a particular version (e.g., annotated or from a specific website) is used, an entry might be necessary. For in-text citations, the first mention typically includes the institutional author, “US,” and the year of publication, 1776, in parentheses, e.g., “(US, 1776).” Subsequent mentions in the text generally do not require a parenthetical citation, though quoted material should still be enclosed in quotation marks and the document’s title mentioned.
If a Works Cited entry becomes necessary for a specific online version, it would follow a format similar to a webpage. An example would be: “Declaration of Independence: A Transcription.” National Archives, 8 June 2022, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript. The title of the document itself is not italicized or enclosed in quotation marks in the text.
Citing in APA Style
Citing the Declaration of Independence in APA style (7th edition) also involves specific instructions, treating it as a historical government document. For the document as a whole, APA 7 does not require a full reference entry in the bibliography; instead, in-text citations are sufficient.
In-text citations in APA follow an author-date format. For the Declaration, Thomas Jefferson is listed as the author, or the government entity (United States) can be used, alongside the year 1776. An example of an in-text citation might be “(Jefferson, 1776)” or “(United States, 1776)”. When referencing a specific paragraph, write, “the U.S. Declaration of Independence, Paragraph 4 (1776) states…”.
If a full reference entry is needed for a specific online version, such as one from the National Archives, the format resembles a webpage citation. An example would be: United States. (1776). Declaration of Independence. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration. The title, “Declaration of Independence,” is italicized in the reference list entry.
Citing in Chicago Style
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition) provides guidance for citing historical documents like the Declaration of Independence. For the Declaration as a whole, a bibliography entry is not required, with information included in the text or in footnotes/endnotes. Historians frequently use notes and bibliographies in their writing.
For a footnote or endnote, the citation would include details to help readers locate the specific version consulted. An example for an online source might be: Thomas Jefferson, “Declaration of Independence” (1776), accessed March 1, 2023, avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/declare.asp. If citing a specific part, the note should provide sufficient detail to guide the reader.
When a bibliography entry is needed, especially if a specific published edition or online transcription is utilized, it would appear as: Jefferson, Thomas. “Declaration of Independence.” 1776. Retrieved from [URL of source]. Chicago style prioritizes clarity in allowing readers to find the exact source.