Whether you’re a student writing a history paper or a lawyer drafting a legal brief, citing the Declaration of Independence is essential to give credit to the source of your information. The Declaration of Independence is a historical document that was signed on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress. It declared the thirteen American colonies’ independence from Great Britain. Citing the Declaration of Independence correctly will help your reader find the original document and verify your information.
To cite the Declaration of Independence, you will need to include the following information:
- The title of the document: “The Declaration of Independence”
- The date the document was signed: July 4, 1776
- The location where the document was signed: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The publisher of the document: The Continental Congress
You can cite the Declaration of Independence in a variety of formats, depending on the style guide you are using. For example, the following are two common citation formats:
- MLA format: “The Declaration of Independence.” National Archives, 4 July 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
- Chicago Manual of Style 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.: Government Printing Office, 2003), 493-95.
Determining the Correct Citation Method
To cite the Declaration of Independence in an academic or legal context, it is crucial to select the appropriate citation style. There are several widely used styles, including the Chicago Manual of Style, the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, and the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Each style has its own specific set of rules for formatting citations, so it is important to adhere to the style required by the publication or institution.
If no specific style is specified, it is generally advisable to use the Chicago Manual of Style. The Chicago Manual of Style is the most comprehensive and widely used citation style in the social sciences and humanities. It provides detailed guidelines for citing a variety of sources, including historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence.
The following table summarizes the key elements of the Chicago Manual of Style citation for the Declaration of Independence:
| Element | Format |
|---|---|
| Title | The Declaration of Independence |
| Author | Thomas Jefferson |
| Date | July 4, 1776 |
| Source | The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, edited by Julian P. Boyd (Princeton University Press, 1950), vol. 1, pp. 272-278. |
| Citation | Jefferson, Thomas. The Declaration of Independence. In The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, edited by Julian P. Boyd. Vol. 1. Princeton University Press, 1950, pp. 272-278. |
Using Chicago Manual of Style Citations
Parenthetical Citations
Within the text, the Declaration of Independence can be cited parenthetically by author (United States) and year (1776). For example: “The Declaration of Independence was written by the United States in 1776 (United States, 1776).” If the author’s name is not mentioned in the text, simply use the year in parentheses: “The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 (1776).” Use a shortened title for subsequent references: “Declaration of Independence,” without the year.
Notes and Bibliography Citations
| Note form | Bibliography form |
|---|---|
| 1. United States, Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, Founders Online, National Archives and Records Administration, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Declaration. | United States. Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. Founders Online. National Archives and Records Administration. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Declaration. |
Extended Citations for Different Formats
When citing the Declaration of Independence in an extended form, such as in a footnote or bibliography entry, follow these specific guidelines:
-
Printed Version:
United States. Declaration of Independence. United States Statutes at Large, vol. 1, p. 1. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1845.
-
Online Version:
United States. Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. Founders Online, National Archives and Records Administration. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Declaration.
-
PDF Version:
United States. Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. The Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/resource/ihas.10060/.
-
Image File:
United States. Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776. Image file. The Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/resource/ihas.10060/.
Citing in Bluebook Citations
The Bluebook is a legal citation style that is widely used in the United States. When citing the Declaration of Independence in Bluebook format, the following format should be used:
Declaration of Independence, U.S. 1 (1776).
The following table provides a breakdown of the citation elements:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Declaration of Independence | The title of the document |
| U.S. | The abbreviation for the United States |
| 1 | The page number (if applicable) |
| (1776) | The year of publication |
In addition to the basic citation, the Bluebook also provides a number of optional elements that can be included, such as the author, the date of access, and the location of the document. For example, the following citation includes the author and the date of access:
Declaration of Independence, by Thomas Jefferson, U.S. 1 (1776), available at https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript (last accessed on July 4, 2023).
In-Text Citation for the Declaration of Independence
When citing the Declaration of Independence in the text of your paper, use the following format:
(Declaration of Independence, Date)
For example:
The Declaration of Independence proclaimed that “all men are created equal” (Declaration of Independence, 1776).
In-Text Citation with Specific Paragraph
If you are citing a specific paragraph from the Declaration of Independence, use the following format:
(Declaration of Independence, Paragraph Number)
For example:
The Declaration of Independence states that “the history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations” (Declaration of Independence, Paragraph 1).
In-Text Citation with Multiple Paragraphs
If you are citing multiple paragraphs from the Declaration of Independence, separate the paragraph numbers with commas:
(Declaration of Independence, Paragraph Numbers 1, 2)
In-Text Citation with Specific Clauses
If you are citing a specific clause from the Declaration of Independence, use the following format:
(Declaration of Independence, Clause Number)
For example:
The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are entitled to certain unalienable Rights” (Declaration of Independence, Clause 2).
In-Text Citation with Multiple Clauses
If you are citing multiple clauses from the Declaration of Independence, separate the clause numbers with commas:
(Declaration of Independence, Clause Numbers 1, 2)
General Information
When citing the Declaration of Independence, it is essential to adhere to specific formatting guidelines. The following sections provide detailed instructions on how to correctly cite this historical document in various formats, including the Works Cited or Reference Page.
Works Cited or Reference Page Format
The formatting of the Works Cited or Reference Page entry for the Declaration of Independence varies depending on the citation style used. Here are the most common styles:
MLA (Modern Language Association)
Declaration of Independence. National Archives, National Archives and Records Administration, 4 July 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
Chicago Manual of Style
United States. Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776. National Archives, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
APA (American Psychological Association)
| Declaration of Independence | (1776, July 4). National Archives and Records Administration. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript |
Citing Specific Sections or Paragraphs
When citing a specific section or paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, it is important to include the following information:
- The paragraph number: The Declaration is divided into 14 paragraphs, each of which is numbered consecutively.
- The specific sentence(s) or phrase(s) that you are citing: This should be as specific as possible, including the first and last word of the quoted material.
Example
To cite the first sentence of the second paragraph, you would use the following format:
Declaration of Independence, paragraph 2, sentence 1
Table of Paragraph Numbers
| Paragraph Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Preamble |
| 2 | The statement of natural rights |
| 3 | The list of grievances against the King |
| 4 | The declaration of independence |
| 5-13 | The specific reasons for declaring independence |
| 14 | The signatories and their declaration of truth |
Additional Information
When citing specific sections or paragraphs, it is also important to use a consistent citation style. The most common citation styles for the Declaration of Independence are:
- MLA (Modern Language Association)
- APA (American Psychological Association)
- Chicago Manual of Style
Each citation style has its own specific rules for formatting citations. Consult your chosen citation style guide for more information.
Common Citation Mistakes
When citing the Declaration of Independence, there are several common mistakes that should be avoided:
1. Incorrect Title Capitalization
The title should be capitalized as follows: “The Declaration of Independence”.
2. Missing or Incorrect Date
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. This date should be included in the citation (e.g., “Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776”).
3. Lack of Quotation Marks
The title should be placed in quotation 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 should be included in the citation (e.g., “Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania”).
5. Missing or Incorrect Publication Information
The Declaration of Independence was published in various forms. The specific publication information should be included in the citation (e.g., “Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, The Pennsylvania Gazette, August 2, 1776″).
6. Inaccurate Author Attribution
Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence. This attribution should be included in the citation (e.g., “Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776”).
7. Missing Signal Phrase
When referencing the Declaration of Independence in a sentence, it is important to use a signal phrase to introduce the citation (e.g., “In the “Declaration of Independence,” Thomas Jefferson wrote that…”).
8. Incorrect Format
There are multiple citation styles that can be used for the Declaration of Independence. The following table outlines the key elements for each style:
| Citation Style | Format |
|---|---|
| MLA | Author’s last name, page number (in parentheses). |
| Chicago | Author’s last name, first name(s). “Title.” Publication title, volume, number (date), page range. |
| APA | Author’s last name(s), first name(s). (Year). Title. Publisher. |
Using Online Sources for Citation Information
When citing online sources, it is important to provide as much information as possible to identify the source. This includes the URL, the date the page was accessed, and the author or organization responsible for the content. For the Declaration of Independence, several reputable online sources can be used to obtain citation information.
National Archives
The National Archives website provides a digital copy of the Declaration of Independence, along with a detailed description of the document’s history and significance. The website also includes citation information for the Declaration of Independence in various formats, including MLA, Chicago, and APA.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress website provides a digital copy of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a wealth of additional information about the document. The website also includes citation information for the Declaration of Independence in various formats.
The Avalon Project at Yale Law School
The Avalon Project at Yale Law School provides a digital copy of the Declaration of Independence, along with a collection of other historical documents related to American history. The website also includes citation information for the Declaration of Independence in various formats.
Wikipedia
While Wikipedia is not always considered the most reliable source for academic research, it can be a useful starting point for finding information about the Declaration of Independence. The Wikipedia page for the Declaration of Independence includes a list of references that can be used to find more reliable sources.
Google Scholar
Google Scholar is a search engine that allows users to find scholarly articles and other academic resources. Google Scholar can be used to find articles that cite the Declaration of Independence, which can provide additional information and context for the document.
JSTOR
JSTOR is a digital library of academic journals. JSTOR can be used to find articles that cite the Declaration of Independence, which can provide additional information and context for the document.
ProQuest
ProQuest is a digital library of dissertations and theses. ProQuest can be used to find dissertations and theses that cite the Declaration of Independence, which can provide additional information and context for the document.
When citing the Declaration of Independence from an online source, it is important to choose a reputable source and to provide as much information as possible to identify the source. The following table provides a summary of the information that should be included in a citation for the Declaration of Independence from an online source:
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | The Declaration of Independence |
| Author | Thomas Jefferson |
| Date | July 4, 1776 |
| URL | https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript |
| Date Accessed | [Date you accessed the page] |
How to Properly Cite The Declaration of Independence
In-text citations
When citing the Declaration of Independence in the text of your paper, you should use a shortened form of the title, such as “Declaration of Independence” or “DOI.” The DOI should be italicized and followed by the year of publication, which is 1776. For example:
“The Declaration of Independence (1776) states that all men are created equal.”
Footnotes or endnotes
If you are using footnotes or endnotes, you should provide a full citation of the DOI. The following is an example of a full citation:
Declaration of Independence. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
Bibliography
If you are using a bibliography, you should include the DOI in your list of sources. The following is an example of a bibliography entry for the DOI:
Declaration of Independence. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
Additional Resources for Accurate Citation
The following resources can help you to ensure that you are citing the Declaration of Independence correctly:
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration’s website on the Declaration of Independence | www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript |
| The Library of Congress’s website on the Declaration of Independence | www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/DeclarInd.html |
| The National Archives’ website on the Declaration of Independence | www.archives.gov/topics/founding-documents/declaration |
How To Properly Cite The Declaration Of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document in American history, and it is often cited in academic and professional writing. When citing the Declaration of Independence, it is important to follow the correct format in order to ensure that your citation is accurate and complete. The following are the steps on how to properly cite the Declaration of Independence:
- Use the full title of the document. The full title of the Declaration of Independence is “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America”.
- Include the date of publication. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and it was signed on August 2, 1776.
- Provide the location of the document. The Declaration of Independence is located in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
- Use the correct citation style. The most common citation style is the MLA style, which requires the following format: Title of document. Date of publication. Location. For example, the citation for the Declaration of Independence in MLA style would be: “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America”. 4 July 1776. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
People Also Ask
How do you cite the Declaration of Independence in an essay?
When citing the Declaration of Independence in an essay, you should use the following format:
(Declaration of Independence, 1776)
What is the short citation for the Declaration of Independence?
The short citation for the Declaration of Independence is: (Declaration of Independence)
Where can I find a copy of the Declaration of Independence?
You can find a copy of the Declaration of Independence online at the National Archives website: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
