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.