How to Cite a Petition
Citing resources for a research paper or article is typically done in one of three styles: MLA style, APA style or Chicago style. Not all formatting styles specifically explain how to cite a petition, but the styles do have other rules that you can follow to make sure your citation is correct.
Citing a Petition Using MLA Style
Step 1
Begin with the author's last name, followed by her first name and middle initial (if needed.) End with a period.
Example: Anthony, Susan B.
Step 2
State the petition name in quotes, ending with a period.
Example: "Petition to Congress Requesting Women's Suffrage."
Step 3
End with the date the petition was written, starting with the date, then abbreviated month, then year, followed by a period. If a specific date is not know, state the year followed by a period.
Example: 13 Mar 1865.
Step 4
Make sure that your citation follows this full example: Anthony, Susan B. "Petition to Congress Requesting Women's Suffrage." 13 Mar 1865.
Cite a Petition Using APA Style
Step 1
State the author's name using last name, first name and middle initial and ending with a period.
Example: Anthony, Susan B.
Step 2
Cite the year in parentheses with a period outside.
Example: (1865).
Step 3
End with the title in quotes with a period inside.
Example: "Petition to Congress Requesting Women's Suffrage."
Step 4
Indent the second line of each citation five to seven spaces if it flows onto a second line.
Step 5
Ensure that your citation is similar to this full example: Anthony, Susan B. (1865). "Petition to Congress Requesting Women's Suffrage."
Cite a Petition Using the Chicago Manual of Style
Step 1
Cite the name of the author with first name followed by middle initial and last name, and closed with a comma.
Example: Susan B. Anthony,
Step 2
State the title of the petition in quotes, with no punctuation following.
Example: "Petition to Congress Requesting Women's Suffrage"
Step 3
Put the type of document you are citing, without capitalizing, followed by a comma and the year. End with a period.
Example: petition, 1865.
Step 4
Make sure that your citation follows this full example: Susan B. Anthony, "Petition to Congress Requesting Women's Suffrage" petition, 1865.
Note
The rules change when a petition is found within a document such as a book or encyclopedia. Be sure to consult your style guide for information about formatting these types of petitions.
Need help with a citation? Try our citation generator.
References
Tips
- The rules change when a petition is found within a document such as a book or encyclopedia. Be sure to consult your style guide for information about formatting these types of petitions.
Writer Bio
Based in Los Angeles, Mo Macy has been a screenwriter since 2007 and runs an LA-based pop culture blog. With a background in travel writing, her work has appeared in "Travel New England" and online at "The Boston Globe." She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in writing from Emerson College.
