Citing the Declaration of Independence is essential when using it as a reference in your research paper, especially for history or political science assignments. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to properly cite this foundational document using various citation styles, including MLA, APA, and Chicago. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the accuracy and credibility of your work while giving proper attribution to this pivotal text in American history.
Why Proper Citation Matters
Proper citation is crucial in academic writing for several reasons. Firstly, it gives credit to the original authors and prevents plagiarism. Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, is a serious academic offense. By accurately citing your sources, you acknowledge the work of others and demonstrate your integrity as a researcher. Secondly, citations allow your readers to verify your sources and delve deeper into the topic if they wish. This enhances the credibility of your work and shows that your arguments are based on solid evidence. Lastly, proper citation demonstrates your understanding of academic conventions and your respect for intellectual property.
In the context of the Declaration of Independence, accurate citation is particularly important due to its historical and political significance. It is a cornerstone document of American democracy, and citing it correctly reflects your understanding of its importance and context. Moreover, given the numerous interpretations and analyses of the Declaration, providing a clear citation helps your readers understand which version or edition you are referencing.
Understanding the Declaration of Independence
Before diving into the specifics of citation, it's crucial to understand the Declaration of Independence itself. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration proclaims that the thirteen American colonies were independent of Great Britain, outlining the reasons for their separation. It is divided into several sections, including the preamble, which states the philosophical principles underlying the colonists’ right to revolution; a list of grievances against King George III; and the declaration of independence itself.
When citing the Declaration, you may need to reference specific sections or clauses, depending on your argument. Understanding the structure and content of the document will help you provide a more accurate and relevant citation. For instance, if you are discussing the concept of natural rights, you might cite the famous line from the preamble: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Proper citation ensures that this influential passage is attributed correctly.
Citing the Declaration of Independence in MLA Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities, particularly in literature and language studies. When citing the Declaration of Independence in MLA, you need to provide specific information to ensure clarity and accuracy. The core elements of an MLA citation include the author (though often not explicitly stated, it is attributed to the Continental Congress), the title of the document, the publication information (if applicable), and the URL or database if accessed online.
In MLA style, the Declaration of Independence is typically treated as a government document or a historical text. The citation format will vary slightly depending on whether you are citing the entire document or a specific part. Here’s a general template:
Basic Format:
United States, Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence. 4 July 1776.
Explanation:
- United States, Continental Congress: This is the author, attributed to the Continental Congress as the governing body that adopted the Declaration.
- The Declaration of Independence: The title of the document, italicized.
- 4 July 1776: The date of adoption.
If you accessed the document online, you would add the website name and URL to the citation. Here’s an example:
Online Version:
United States, Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence. 4 July 1776. National Archives, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript. Accessed 15 June 2024.
Explanation:
- National Archives: The name of the website where the document was accessed, italicized.
- www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript: The URL of the specific page.
- Accessed 15 June 2024: The date you accessed the document.
In-Text Citations in MLA
In-text citations are used within your paper to indicate where you have quoted or paraphrased from the Declaration of Independence. In MLA style, in-text citations typically include the author’s name (or a shortened version of the title if there is no author) and the page number (if available) or a paragraph number. Since the Declaration is often available online without page numbers, you might use paragraph numbers or simply refer to the section of the document.
Examples:
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When quoting a specific phrase:
The Declaration asserts, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal" (United States, Continental Congress, para. 2).
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When paraphrasing a section:
The Continental Congress declared the colonies' independence from Great Britain, citing numerous grievances against the King (United States, Continental Congress).
In both examples, the in-text citation directs the reader to the full citation in your Works Cited list, where they can find complete information about the source. Using MLA style correctly ensures that your citations are clear, consistent, and compliant with academic standards.
Citing the Declaration of Independence in APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in social sciences, education, and other fields. Citing the Declaration of Independence in APA style requires a slightly different approach compared to MLA. APA emphasizes the date of publication and uses a different format for in-text citations and the reference list.
The basic format for citing the Declaration of Independence in APA style is as follows:
Basic Format:
United States. (1776). Declaration of Independence. National Archives.
Explanation:
- United States: The author, similar to MLA, attributed to the United States government.
- (1776): The year of publication.
- Declaration of Independence: The title of the document, italicized.
- National Archives: The source or publisher.
If you accessed the document online, you would include the URL in the reference list entry. Here’s an example:
Online Version:
United States. (1776). Declaration of Independence. National Archives. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
Explanation:
- Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript: The URL where the document was accessed.
In-Text Citations in APA
APA in-text citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication. Since the Declaration of Independence is attributed to the United States government, you would use "United States" as the author in the citation. If you are citing a specific section or idea from the document, you might also include a page number or paragraph number, if available.
Examples:
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When quoting a specific phrase:
The Declaration of Independence proclaims that all men are created equal (United States, 1776, para. 2).
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When paraphrasing a section:
The United States (1776) declared its independence from Great Britain based on a list of grievances and the assertion of natural rights.
In APA style, accuracy and consistency are key. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations of the Declaration of Independence are correct and adhere to the standards of academic writing in the social sciences and related fields.
Citing the Declaration of Independence in Chicago Style
The Chicago Manual of Style is another widely used citation style, particularly in history, humanities, and social sciences. Citing the Declaration of Independence in Chicago style involves a slightly different format compared to MLA and APA, with a focus on footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations and a comprehensive bibliography entry.
The Chicago style citation for the Declaration of Independence typically includes the author (Continental Congress), the title, the date, and the source or publisher. Here’s the basic format:
Basic Format (Bibliography Entry):
United States. Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776.
Explanation:
- United States. Continental Congress: The author, attributed to the Continental Congress.
- The Declaration of Independence: The title of the document, italicized.
- July 4, 1776: The date of adoption.
If you accessed the Declaration of Independence online, the bibliography entry would include the URL and the access date. Here’s an example:
Online Version (Bibliography Entry):
United States. Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. Accessed June 15, 2024. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
Explanation:
- Accessed June 15, 2024: The date you accessed the document.
- https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript: The URL of the specific page.
Footnotes and Endnotes in Chicago Style
In Chicago style, in-text citations are typically done using footnotes or endnotes. These notes provide the full citation information at the bottom of the page (footnotes) or at the end of the paper (endnotes). Here’s the format for a footnote or endnote citation:
Basic Format (Footnote/Endnote):
- United States, Continental Congress, The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776).
Explanation:
- 1.: The note number.
- United States, Continental Congress: The author.
- The Declaration of Independence: The title of the document, italicized.
- (July 4, 1776): The date of adoption.
If you are citing a specific section or idea, you can include additional information such as paragraph numbers. For example:
- United States, Continental Congress, The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776), para. 2.
Explanation:
- para. 2: Indicates the paragraph number being cited.
When you cite the Declaration of Independence multiple times, you can use a shortened form for subsequent citations. For example:
- United States, Declaration of Independence, para. 5.
This shortened citation includes the author and a shortened title, making it easier for readers to follow your references without unnecessary repetition. Adhering to Chicago style guidelines ensures that your citations are thorough, precise, and consistent with academic standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, citing the Declaration of Independence accurately is vital for academic integrity and clarity. Whether you are using MLA, APA, or Chicago style, understanding the specific requirements of each style will help you provide proper attribution and enhance the credibility of your work. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can confidently cite this essential historical document in your research papers and academic projects. Remember to always consult the official style manuals for the most up-to-date information and any specific requirements of your institution or publication.
