How to Cite the First Amendment in APA Format

When writing an essay, paper or book, it is crucial to give proper credit to one's sources. This enables readers to confirm the basis of the work by allowing them to see how it builds on previous studies. This increases the author's credibility and also protects against charges of plagiarism. Under the APA style, public documents such as the Constitution are cited according to "The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation," which sets the standard for legal citations of all kinds. APA style uses the Bluebook format for all legal documents.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Create a footnote, if you are using footnotes for your citations. If you are using in-text citations, place the citation in a pair of parentheses.

   • 2

     Write the citation as follows, using the abbreviations "Const." and "amend." within the footnote or parentheses. Articles and amendments take Roman numerals.

     U.S. Const., amend. I.

   • 3

     Add the citation to your bibliography or reference list, in the same format.