Citing the U.S. Constitution in MLA Format

Proper citation of sources, including the U.S. Constitution, is crucial in academic writing to avoid plagiarism and enhance the credibility of your work. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is widely used in the humanities, and while it doesn't provide a specific citation style for the Constitution, there are established best practices for referencing it.

Overview of MLA Formatting

MLA format is a set of guidelines for documenting sources and formatting papers. It is essential for providing readers with the means to access the sources you used in your research. While the Constitution is one of the most foundational documents of the United States, its citation can be nuanced and requires a thorough understanding of the MLA rules.

Why Cite the U.S. Constitution?

The U.S. Constitution is a vital legal and historical document that forms the basis of the American legal system. Citing it in your work allows you to:

Establish Authority: By referencing the Constitution, you demonstrate the weight and importance of your arguments. Support Arguments: The Constitution provides a solid framework for supporting claims in legal, political, and historical contexts. Ensure Accuracy: Proper citation ensures you are working with the most accurate and up-to-date version of the document.

No Specific MLA Citation Style for the Constitution

Unlike many other sources, the Constitution does not have a specific MLA citation format. This is because it is not a secondary source with an author, publication date, or edition number. Instead, you should describe the edition of the Constitution you are referencing.

Here’s a general guideline you can follow:

Note the Edition or Source: Clearly state the edition of the Constitution you are using. This is often available in footnotes or endnotes provided by reputable publishers. Citation in the Works Cited: Since MLA does not provide a specific format, you can include the Constitution in your Works Cited list using descriptive information.

For example, if you are using the United States Constitution Annotated (USCA) published by the Congressional Research Service, your citation might look like this:

Annotated Constitution, United States Constitutional Amendments and the Legislative History of the Articles and Amendments. U.S. Code Congressional Administrative News Series, 1927-2018.

Best Practices for Citing the Constitution

Include a Brief Summary

Often, it is more practical to include a brief summary of the relevant sections from the Constitution in your essay. This summary can be cited in the Works Cited section as you would any other source, using the abbreviation 'Con.' followed by the section:

Con. Art. III, § 1 provides that the judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.

Use the Right Edition

To ensure accuracy and credibility, always use the most recent and authoritative edition of the Constitution. Make sure to verify the edition you are using against reputable sources such as the National Archives or official government websites.

Use Official Publications

When possible, use official publications of the Constitution, such as those available from the U.S. Government Printing Office or the National Archives. These sources are more reliable and easier to reference in your paper.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when citing the Constitution in your MLA formatted work:

Ignoring Authority: Always use reputable and authoritative sources when citing the Constitution. Inconsistent Formatting: Ensure your citations are consistent throughout the document to maintain professionalism. Failure to Provide Context: While you can summarize sections of the Constitution, always provide context to ensure clarity and coherence.

Conclusion

Citing the U.S. Constitution in MLA format may seem challenging due to its unique nature. However, by following established best practices and using the appropriate references, you can effectively incorporate this vital document into your academic work. Always double-check your citations to ensure accuracy and credibility, and remember to give appropriate credit to the authoritative sources you use.