* It's a primary source: The Constitution itself is considered a primary source, meaning it's the original document you're referencing. You would cite it directly in your text, not in a bibliography.
* It's a living document: The Constitution is always in effect and doesn't have a specific author or publication date. It's not something you'd find in a library or online database in the traditional sense.
How to Cite the Constitution in Your Text:
* U.S. Constitution, Article [Number], Section [Number], Clause [Number]: This is the most common way to cite the Constitution in your text. For example: "The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 9, Clause 3, guarantees freedom of religion."
* Specific Amendment: For amendments, you can just cite the amendment number. Example: "The Fourteenth Amendment protects equal protection under the law."
If you are specifically referring to a particular edition of the Constitution for historical purposes:
* You can cite the editor, publication date, and publisher of the edition.
* For example: "The Constitution of the United States of America, edited by James Madison, 1789, New York: J. Parker."
Important Note:
* Always check with your specific citation style guide (MLA, APA, Chicago) for their specific guidelines on citing legal documents.