How to Cite the U.S. Constitution in MLA on a Works Cited Page

MLA style, developed by the Modern Language Association, is one of the most commonly used citation styles in the humanities. Writers citing ideas or factual information from a given source must cite that source in a parenthetical citation within the text, and include a listing for that source in a works cited page. MLA provides specific guidelines for citing the Constitution in the works cited page.

Instructions

1. Begin the entry with “U.S. Constitution” in italics and follow with a period.

2. Enter the number of the article you are citing, in the format “Art. XII,” and follow with a comma.

3. Enter the number of the particular section you are citing within that article, in the format “Sec. 3” and follow with a period. Your entry should look like this: “U.S. Constitution. Art. XII, Sec. 3.

Tips & Warnings

• Arrange entries in alphabetical order on the works cited page.

References

• Indiana University Library: Guide to Citing U.S. Government Publications
• University of Washington: MLA Style
• University of Nebraska Kearney: Citing Government Documents: MLA

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Modern Language Association: MLA Style