How To Cite An Executive Order Apa

Have you ever wondered how to properly credit a directive from the highest office in the land? Executive orders, issued by the President of the United States, carry significant weight and shape policy on a wide range of issues. Because they wield such influence, it's crucial to accurately cite them in academic and professional writing. Failing to do so can lead to accusations of plagiarism and undermine the credibility of your work.

Accurate citation allows readers to easily locate the original source and understand the legal and historical context of your arguments. It demonstrates thorough research and attention to detail, essential for maintaining academic integrity. While APA style provides clear guidelines for citing many sources, figuring out the specific format for executive orders can sometimes be confusing. The following guide will break down the process, ensuring your citations are clear, concise, and compliant with APA 7th edition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Citing Executive Orders in APA Style

How do I format an APA citation for an executive order?

To cite an executive order in APA format, use the following template: Executive Order Number, _Title of Executive Order_, _Federal Register_ Volume (Number), page number (Date of issuance). For example: Executive Order 13769, _Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States_, _Federal Register_ 82 (21), 8977 (January 27, 2017).

The key components of the citation are the Executive Order number, the official title of the order (italicized), the source where it's published (usually the _Federal Register_), and the date it was issued. The volume, issue number, and page number within the _Federal Register_ help readers locate the specific document. It’s crucial to italicize the title of the executive order and the name of the source (_Federal Register_).

If the executive order is accessed online and you want to include a URL, add it at the end of the citation. However, if the executive order is readily available through official government websites or databases (like the _Federal Register_ online), including the URL is generally not required unless specifically instructed by your instructor or publication guidelines. In the reference list, alphabetize executive orders by the name of the executive branch (e.g., United States, President), followed by "Executive Order" and then the order number.

What information is needed to cite an executive order in APA style?

To properly cite an executive order in APA style, you need the following elements: the name of the President who issued the order, the title of the executive order, the executive order number, the year the order was issued, and the official source where the order is published (typically the *Federal Register*), including the volume and page number. Optionally, you can include the URL if accessed online.

The core principle of APA citation is to enable readers to locate the source you used. For executive orders, this means providing enough detail for someone to find the exact document you consulted. The executive order number is crucial as it's a unique identifier. The *Federal Register* information (volume and page) provides the official publication details, especially useful if the reader is accessing the document in print. If you accessed the executive order online, including the URL makes it easily accessible. Note that if an executive order has been published in the *Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)*, cite the *CFR* instead.

Here's an example of a correctly formatted APA citation for an executive order: Trump, D. J. (2017). *Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States*. Executive Order 13769. *Federal Register*, *82*(21), 8977-8981. If you accessed it online, you would add: Retrieved from [insert URL here]. Remember that APA style emphasizes accuracy and consistency, so double-check all the elements before finalizing your citation.

Where does the executive order citation go in my paper (in-text and reference list)?

In APA Style, citations for executive orders appear both in-text and in the reference list. The in-text citation provides brief identification within the body of your paper, while the reference list entry offers complete details for readers to locate the original source.

The in-text citation for an executive order follows the author-date format, which in this case translates to the name of the President followed by the year the executive order was issued. For example, if you're citing Executive Order 13769, issued in 2017, your in-text citation would look like this: (Trump, 2017). If you are directly quoting from the executive order, include the page or paragraph number (if available). Remember to keep the in-text citation concise, primarily serving as a pointer to the comprehensive information provided in the reference list.

The reference list entry requires more detail and follows a specific format: President's Last Name, First Initial. Middle Initial. (Year). *Executive Order Number*, *Title of Executive Order*. Retrieved from URL. For example, the reference list entry for Executive Order 13769 would be: Trump, D. J. (2017). *Executive Order 13769*, *Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States*. Retrieved from [insert URL here, usually from the Federal Register or official government source]. The URL is crucial as it provides the reader with direct access to the executive order. Ensure that your reference list is alphabetized and adheres to APA's guidelines for hanging indents.

How does the citation differ if the executive order is published in the Federal Register?

If an executive order is published in the Federal Register, the citation includes the executive order number, the title (if available), the volume and page number of the Federal Register where it appears, and the date of publication. This differs from citing an unpublished executive order, which would primarily use the executive order number and date, potentially supplemented with information about where the order can be located (e.g., the White House website).

When an executive order is published in the Federal Register, it becomes an official part of the public record. The Federal Register provides a standardized and easily accessible source for researchers and readers. The citation structure reflects this by prioritizing the Federal Register details. Including the volume and page number allows others to quickly locate the order within the official record.

Here’s a comparison to illustrate the difference:

In the published example, 86 represents the volume of the Federal Register, FR indicates it is the Federal Register, and 7009 is the page number where the executive order begins. The year (2021) is also included. This detailed information provides a definitive pointer to the official publication of the order.

What if the executive order number is missing; how do I cite it in APA?

If the executive order number is missing, which is highly unusual but possible, you would cite the executive order using as much information as you can gather, prioritizing the official title, the date it was issued, and the source where you found it. In the reference list entry, omit the executive order number and focus on providing a clear and verifiable source. In the in-text citation, use the title (or a shortened version of it) and the year.

While executive orders are typically numbered for easy identification and tracking, situations might arise where the number is unavailable or not clearly associated with the order. This could occur with older orders that predate systematic numbering or if you are accessing the order through a secondary source that doesn't include it. In such cases, accurately documenting the available information is paramount. If you can ascertain the issuing president's name, include it in the in-text citation for clarity, particularly if multiple executive orders with similar titles were issued during the same year.

For the reference list entry, carefully consider the source where you located the executive order. Was it from the Federal Register, the National Archives, a presidential library, or another online database? The citation should reflect the specific source. Ensure that the title is accurately reproduced and the date is correct. In the rare instance that even the exact date is unknown, provide an approximate date or date range with appropriate qualifiers (e.g., "circa," "n.d."). The goal is to enable readers to locate the source document with the information you have provided. If the missing number is noticed after the fact, consider adding a note or clarification to the reference entry, like "(Executive Order number unknown)" to explain its absence.

Are there specific APA guidelines for citing archived executive orders?

Yes, the APA Style guidelines provide a specific format for citing executive orders, including those accessed from archives. The general structure includes the executive order number, the title (if any), the issuing authority (the President of the United States), the date of issuance, and the source information indicating where the executive order can be found, whether it's the Federal Register, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), or an online archive.

The core elements of the citation should be arranged logically to allow readers to easily locate the original document. If the executive order has been published in the Federal Register or codified in the CFR, cite those sources. If accessing it from an online archive, include the URL. The goal is always to provide a clear and verifiable path to the source material. The APA emphasizes accuracy and completeness in citations, ensuring that researchers can trace the origins of information and build upon existing knowledge.

For example, if you accessed Executive Order 13769, "Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States," from the National Archives, the citation might look like this: Executive Order No. 13769, 3 C.F.R. 9 (2017). If accessed online, then a 'Retrieved from' URL can be added. Always consult the official APA Style guide for the most current and comprehensive guidance, as these guidelines may evolve over time.

How do I cite an executive order that is later revoked or superseded?

When citing an executive order in APA style that has been revoked or superseded, include the full citation details of the original order, followed by a parenthetical notation indicating its revoked or superseded status and the details of the revoking or superseding order. This clarifies the order's historical context and legal standing.

To create the citation, begin with the standard format for an executive order. This includes the title (if available), the executive order number, the *Federal Register* volume and page number (if published there), and the year. After this standard information, add a parenthetical note such as "(Revoked by Executive Order [Number], *Federal Register* [Volume], [Page] ([Year]))" or "(Superseded by Executive Order [Number], *Federal Register* [Volume], [Page] ([Year]))", replacing the bracketed information with the specifics of the action. The key is to provide enough information for the reader to understand the executive order's history and its current legal force (or lack thereof). Include the exact executive order number, the publication details from the *Federal Register*, and the year the revocation or supersession occurred. This allows researchers to easily trace the history of the order and understand its impact. If the revoking or superseding order is not an executive order, adjust the parenthetical accordingly, citing the relevant statute or court decision. For example, if Executive Order 12345 was later superseded by Executive Order 67890, the citation would look something like this: Executive Order 12345, 35 *Federal Register* 12345 (1970) (Superseded by Executive Order 67890, 40 *Federal Register* 54321 (1975)). This format ensures clarity and allows readers to understand the context of your citation.

And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, this guide has demystified the process of citing executive orders in APA style. Thanks for taking the time to read through it. We're always adding new guides and tips, so feel free to check back soon for more help with your academic writing!