Whether or not you are a scholar writing a historical past paper or a lawyer drafting a authorized temporary, citing the Declaration of Independence is important to present credit score to the supply of your data. The Declaration of Independence is a historic doc that was signed on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress. It declared the 13 American colonies’ independence from Nice Britain. Citing the Declaration of Independence accurately will assist your reader discover the unique doc and confirm your data.
To quote the Declaration of Independence, you’ll need to incorporate the next data:
- The title of the doc: “The Declaration of Independence”
- The date the doc was signed: July 4, 1776
- The situation the place the doc was signed: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The writer of the doc: The Continental Congress
You’ll be able to cite the Declaration of Independence in a wide range of codecs, relying on the model information you might be utilizing. For instance, the next are two frequent quotation codecs:
- MLA format: “The Declaration of Independence.” Nationwide Archives, 4 July 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
- Chicago Guide of Model format: “The Declaration of Independence,” in The Papers of the Continental Congress, vol. 5, ed. John P. Kaminski and Gaspare J. Saladino (Washington, D.C.: Authorities Printing Workplace, 2003), 493-95.
Figuring out the Right Quotation Technique
To quote the Declaration of Independence in a tutorial or authorized context, it’s essential to pick out the suitable quotation model. There are a number of extensively used types, together with the Chicago Guide of Model, the Fashionable Language Affiliation (MLA) model, and the American Psychological Affiliation (APA) model. Every model has its personal particular algorithm for formatting citations, so you will need to adhere to the model required by the publication or establishment.
If no particular model is specified, it’s usually advisable to make use of the Chicago Guide of Model. The Chicago Guide of Model is essentially the most complete and extensively used quotation model within the social sciences and humanities. It gives detailed tips for citing a wide range of sources, together with historic paperwork such because the Declaration of Independence.
The next desk summarizes the important thing components of the Chicago Guide of Model quotation for the Declaration of Independence:
| Aspect | Format |
|---|---|
| Title | The Declaration of Independence |
| Writer | Thomas Jefferson |
| Date | July 4, 1776 |
| Supply | The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, edited by Julian P. Boyd (Princeton College Press, 1950), vol. 1, pp. 272-278. |
| Quotation | Jefferson, Thomas. The Declaration of Independence. In The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, edited by Julian P. Boyd. Vol. 1. Princeton College Press, 1950, pp. 272-278. |
Utilizing Chicago Guide of Model Citations
Parenthetical Citations
Throughout the textual content, the Declaration of Independence may be cited parenthetically by creator (United States) and 12 months (1776). For instance: “The Declaration of Independence was written by the USA in 1776 (United States, 1776).” If the creator’s title just isn’t talked about within the textual content, merely use the 12 months in parentheses: “The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 (1776).” Use a shortened title for subsequent references: “Declaration of Independence,” with out the 12 months.
Notes and Bibliography Citations
| Notice type | Bibliography type |
|---|---|
| 1. United States, Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, Founders On-line, Nationwide Archives and Data Administration, https://founders.archives.gov/paperwork/Declaration. | United States. Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. Founders On-line. Nationwide Archives and Data Administration. https://founders.archives.gov/paperwork/Declaration. |
Prolonged Citations for Completely different Codecs
When citing the Declaration of Independence in an prolonged type, equivalent to in a footnote or bibliography entry, comply with these particular tips:
-
Printed Model:
United States. Declaration of Independence. United States Statutes at Massive, vol. 1, p. 1. Washington, DC: Authorities Printing Workplace, 1845.
-
On-line Model:
United States. Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. Founders On-line, Nationwide Archives and Data Administration. https://founders.archives.gov/paperwork/Declaration.
-
PDF Model:
United States. Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. The Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/useful resource/ihas.10060/.
-
Picture File:
United States. Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. Picture file. The Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/useful resource/ihas.10060/.
Citing in Bluebook Citations
The Bluebook is a authorized quotation model that’s extensively utilized in the USA. When citing the Declaration of Independence in Bluebook format, the next format ought to be used:
Declaration of Independence, U.S. 1 (1776).
The next desk gives a breakdown of the quotation components:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Declaration of Independence | The title of the doc |
| U.S. | The abbreviation for the USA |
| 1 | The web page quantity (if relevant) |
| (1776) | The 12 months of publication |
Along with the essential quotation, the Bluebook additionally gives plenty of non-obligatory components that may be included, such because the creator, the date of entry, and the situation of the doc. For instance, the next quotation contains the creator and the date of entry:
Declaration of Independence, by Thomas Jefferson, U.S. 1 (1776), accessible at https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript (final accessed on July 4, 2023).
In-Textual content Quotation for the Declaration of Independence
When citing the Declaration of Independence within the textual content of your paper, use the next format:
(Declaration of Independence, Date)
For instance:
The Declaration of Independence proclaimed that “all males are created equal” (Declaration of Independence, 1776).
In-Textual content Quotation with Particular Paragraph
If you’re citing a selected paragraph from the Declaration of Independence, use the next format:
(Declaration of Independence, Paragraph Quantity)
For instance:
The Declaration of Independence states that “the historical past of the current King of Nice Britain is a historical past of repeated accidents and usurpations” (Declaration of Independence, Paragraph 1).
In-Textual content Quotation with A number of Paragraphs
If you’re citing a number of paragraphs from the Declaration of Independence, separate the paragraph numbers with commas:
(Declaration of Independence, Paragraph Numbers 1, 2)
In-Textual content Quotation with Particular Clauses
If you’re citing a selected clause from the Declaration of Independence, use the next format:
(Declaration of Independence, Clause Quantity)
For instance:
The Declaration of Independence states that “all males are entitled to sure unalienable Rights” (Declaration of Independence, Clause 2).
In-Textual content Quotation with A number of Clauses
If you’re citing a number of clauses from the Declaration of Independence, separate the clause numbers with commas:
(Declaration of Independence, Clause Numbers 1, 2)
Basic Info
When citing the Declaration of Independence, it’s important to stick to particular formatting tips. The next sections present detailed directions on the way to accurately cite this historic doc in varied codecs, together with the Works Cited or Reference Web page.
Works Cited or Reference Web page Format
The formatting of the Works Cited or Reference Web page entry for the Declaration of Independence varies relying on the quotation model used. Listed here are the most typical types:
MLA (Fashionable Language Affiliation)
Declaration of Independence. National Archives, Nationwide Archives and Data Administration, 4 July 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
Chicago Guide of Model
United States. Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776. National Archives, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
APA (American Psychological Affiliation)
| Declaration of Independence | (1776, July 4). Nationwide Archives and Data Administration. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript |
Citing Particular Sections or Paragraphs
When citing a selected part or paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, you will need to embody the next data:
- The paragraph quantity: The Declaration is split into 14 paragraphs, every of which is numbered consecutively.
- The precise sentence(s) or phrase(s) that you’re citing: This ought to be as particular as attainable, together with the primary and final phrase of the quoted materials.
Instance
To quote the primary sentence of the second paragraph, you’d use the next format:
Declaration of Independence, paragraph 2, sentence 1
Desk of Paragraph Numbers
| Paragraph Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Preamble |
| 2 | The assertion of pure rights |
| 3 | The listing of grievances in opposition to the King |
| 4 | The declaration of independence |
| 5-13 | The precise causes for declaring independence |
| 14 | The signatories and their declaration of reality |
Extra Info
When citing particular sections or paragraphs, it’s also vital to make use of a constant quotation model. The commonest quotation types for the Declaration of Independence are:
- MLA (Fashionable Language Affiliation)
- APA (American Psychological Affiliation)
- Chicago Guide of Model
Every quotation model has its personal particular guidelines for formatting citations. Seek the advice of your chosen quotation model information for extra data.
Widespread Quotation Errors
When citing the Declaration of Independence, there are a number of frequent errors that ought to be prevented:
1. Incorrect Title Capitalization
The title ought to be capitalized as follows: “The Declaration of Independence”.
2. Lacking or Incorrect Date
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. This date ought to be included within the quotation (e.g., “Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776”).
3. Lack of Citation Marks
The title ought to be positioned in citation marks when included in a sentence (e.g., “Thomas Jefferson wrote the “Declaration of Independence””).
4. Incomplete or Incorrect Location
The Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location ought to be included within the quotation (e.g., “Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania”).
5. Lacking or Incorrect Publication Info
The Declaration of Independence was printed in varied types. The precise publication data ought to be included within the quotation (e.g., “Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, The Pennsylvania Gazette, August 2, 1776″).
6. Inaccurate Writer Attribution
Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence. This attribution ought to be included within the quotation (e.g., “Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776”).
7. Lacking Sign Phrase
When referencing the Declaration of Independence in a sentence, you will need to use a sign phrase to introduce the quotation (e.g., “Within the “Declaration of Independence,” Thomas Jefferson wrote that…”).
8. Incorrect Format
There are a number of quotation types that can be utilized for the Declaration of Independence. The next desk outlines the important thing components for every model:
| Quotation Model | Format |
|---|---|
| MLA | Writer’s final title, web page quantity (in parentheses). |
| Chicago | Writer’s final title, first title(s). “Title.” Publication title, quantity, quantity (date), web page vary. |
| APA | Writer’s final title(s), first title(s). (12 months). Title. Writer. |
Utilizing On-line Sources for Quotation Info
When citing on-line sources, you will need to present as a lot data as attainable to establish the supply. This contains the URL, the date the web page was accessed, and the creator or group chargeable for the content material. For the Declaration of Independence, a number of respected on-line sources can be utilized to acquire quotation data.
Nationwide Archives
The Nationwide Archives web site gives a digital copy of the Declaration of Independence, together with an in depth description of the doc’s historical past and significance. The web site additionally contains quotation data for the Declaration of Independence in varied codecs, together with MLA, Chicago, and APA.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress web site gives a digital copy of the Declaration of Independence, in addition to a wealth of further details about the doc. The web site additionally contains quotation data for the Declaration of Independence in varied codecs.
The Avalon Venture at Yale Legislation College
The Avalon Venture at Yale Legislation College gives a digital copy of the Declaration of Independence, together with a group of different historic paperwork associated to American historical past. The web site additionally contains quotation data for the Declaration of Independence in varied codecs.
Wikipedia
Whereas Wikipedia just isn’t at all times thought-about essentially the most dependable supply for tutorial analysis, it may be a helpful place to begin for locating details about the Declaration of Independence. The Wikipedia web page for the Declaration of Independence features a listing of references that can be utilized to search out extra dependable sources.
Google Scholar
Google Scholar is a search engine that permits customers to search out scholarly articles and different educational assets. Google Scholar can be utilized to search out articles that cite the Declaration of Independence, which might present further data and context for the doc.
JSTOR
JSTOR is a digital library of educational journals. JSTOR can be utilized to search out articles that cite the Declaration of Independence, which might present further data and context for the doc.
ProQuest
ProQuest is a digital library of dissertations and theses. ProQuest can be utilized to search out dissertations and theses that cite the Declaration of Independence, which might present further data and context for the doc.
When citing the Declaration of Independence from an internet supply, you will need to select a good supply and to supply as a lot data as attainable to establish the supply. The next desk gives a abstract of the data that ought to be included in a quotation for the Declaration of Independence from an internet supply:
| Aspect | Info |
|---|---|
| Title | The Declaration of Independence |
| Writer | Thomas Jefferson |
| Date | July 4, 1776 |
| URL | https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript |
| Date Accessed | [Date you accessed the page] |
Correctly Cite The Declaration of Independence
In-text citations
When citing the Declaration of Independence within the textual content of your paper, it’s best to use a shortened type of the title, equivalent to “Declaration of Independence” or “DOI.” The DOI ought to be italicized and adopted by the 12 months of publication, which is 1776. For instance:
“The Declaration of Independence (1776) states that every one males are created equal.”
Footnotes or endnotes
If you’re utilizing footnotes or endnotes, it’s best to present a full quotation of the DOI. The next is an instance of a full quotation:
Declaration of Independence. U.S. Nationwide Archives and Data Administration, 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
Bibliography
If you’re utilizing a bibliography, it’s best to embody the DOI in your listing of sources. The next is an instance of a bibliography entry for the DOI:
Declaration of Independence. U.S. Nationwide Archives and Data Administration, 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
Extra Sources for Correct Quotation
The next assets will help you to make sure that you’re citing the Declaration of Independence accurately:
| Useful resource | Hyperlink |
|---|---|
| The U.S. Nationwide Archives and Data Administration’s web site on the Declaration of Independence | www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript |
| The Library of Congress’s web site on the Declaration of Independence | www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/DeclarInd.html |
| The Nationwide Archives’ web site on the Declaration of Independence | www.archives.gov/matters/founding-documents/declaration |
How To Correctly Cite The Declaration Of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a foundational doc in American historical past, and it’s usually cited in educational {and professional} writing. When citing the Declaration of Independence, you will need to comply with the right format with the intention to make sure that your quotation is correct and full. The next are the steps on the way to correctly cite the Declaration of Independence:
- Use the total title of the doc. The total title of the Declaration of Independence is “The unanimous Declaration of the 13 united States of America”.
- Embrace the date of publication. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and it was signed on August 2, 1776.
- Present the situation of the doc. The Declaration of Independence is positioned within the Nationwide Archives in Washington, D.C.
- Use the right quotation model. The commonest quotation model is the MLA model, which requires the next format: Title of doc. Date of publication. Location. For instance, the quotation for the Declaration of Independence in MLA model could be: “The unanimous Declaration of the 13 united States of America”. 4 July 1776. Nationwide Archives, Washington, D.C.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do you cite the Declaration of Independence in an essay?
When citing the Declaration of Independence in an essay, it’s best to use the next format:
(Declaration of Independence, 1776)
What’s the brief quotation for the Declaration of Independence?
The brief quotation for the Declaration of Independence is: (Declaration of Independence)
The place can I discover a copy of the Declaration of Independence?
You’ll find a duplicate of the Declaration of Independence on-line on the Nationwide Archives web site: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
