Mastering the citation of executive orders is essential for anyone engaged in legal research, policy analysis, or academic writing focused on United States governance. The ability to accurately reference these directives ensures clarity, allows for verification of sources, and demonstrates a rigorous approach to scholarly work. While the format may initially appear complex, understanding the specific elements required by the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition style makes the process straightforward and systematic.
Understanding Executive Orders and Their Significance
An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government. These orders hold the force of law, provided they are grounded in existing statutory authority or the Constitution, and they do not require approval from Congress. Because they carry significant legal weight, citing them correctly is not merely a formality but a matter of academic and professional integrity. A proper citation allows readers to locate the official document swiftly, confirming the context and authenticity of the reference.
The Core APA 7th Edition Format
The standard structure for citing a presidential executive order in APA format follows a specific sequence: the name of the order, the date it was issued, the executive order number, and the official source. This format prioritizes the title of the order because it is the primary identifier for the document. If a formal title is not readily available, the APA style guide permits the use of a descriptive title enclosed in square brackets to ensure the reader understands the subject matter immediately.
Formatting the Reference Entry
When constructing the reference list entry, the format is as follows: Title of executive order. (Year, Month Day). Executive Order #Xxxxxx. Source. For the source component, the preferred method is to link directly to the official government webpage. The official source is typically the White House website or a dedicated archive like the American Presidency Project. It is crucial to use the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) rather than a database link to ensure the document remains accessible over time, fulfilling the APA emphasis on persistent access.
Step-by-Step Citation Examples
To illustrate the application of these rules, consider the citation for Executive Order 13999, titled "Ensuring a Lawful and Accurate Enumeration and Apportionment Pursuant to the Decennial Census." In a reference list, this appears as: Ensuring a lawful and accurate enumeration and apportionment pursuant to the Decennial Census. (2020, August 6). Executive Order 13999. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2020/08/ensuring-a-lawful-and-accurate-enumeration-and-apportionment-pursuant-to-the-decennial-census/. This example highlights the importance of the exact title capitalization, the precise date, and the direct URL to the official presidential archive.
In-Text Citations for Executive Orders
Within the body of your text, the in-text citation for an executive order is relatively simple. You should include the title (or a shortened version of it) and the year of issuance, placed in parentheses. For example, if you are discussing the order concerning the census, your in-text citation would appear as (Ensuring a lawful and accurate enumeration and apportionment pursuant to the Decennial Census, 2020). If the title is lengthy, you may use a shortened version that is still clear and recognizable, such as (Ensuring Accurate Enumeration, 2020), provided you establish the full reference in your list.
