When referencing the United States Constitution in MLA format, it’s essential to follow the guidelines set by the Modern Language Association. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the process:
In-Text Citations
For in-text citations, you don’t need to include the Constitution in the Works Cited page, but you can reference it in the text as follows:
- Article and Section: Use “US Const.” followed by the article and section numbers. For example: (US Const. art. I, sec. 2)
- Amendments: Reference the amendment number. For example: (US Const. amend. XV)
Works Cited Page
If you’re specifically asked to include the Constitution in your Works Cited page, or if you’re referencing a specific edition or publication of the Constitution, here’s how you can format it:
Basic Citation:
- United States Constitution.
- (Note: Since the Constitution is a foundational document, it often isn’t included in the Works Cited page unless a specific edition is being referenced.)
Specific Edition or Publication:
- United States. Constitution of the United States. Publisher, Year of Publication.
Example
If you’re citing a specific version of the Constitution, for instance, one published by the National Center for Constitutional Studies in 2015, the Works Cited entry would look something like this:
- United States. Constitution of the United States. National Center for Constitutional Studies, 2015.
Key Points
- No Author: The Constitution doesn’t have an author in the traditional sense, so you won’t be including an author’s name in your citation.
- No Title: While the document is titled “The United States Constitution,” when referencing it directly, you might simply use “US Const.” in in-text citations.
- Publication Details: If you’re referencing a specific publication, include the publisher and year of publication.
- Containers: If you accessed the Constitution through a larger work or database, include that information in your citation.
Remember, the MLA style emphasizes clarity and simplicity, so ensure your citations are easy to understand and consistent throughout your work. Always check the latest edition of the MLA Handbook or MLA Style Center for the most current guidelines.
