How to Cite Government Documents and Reports
Citing government documents and reports correctly is essential for academic, professional, and personal research. Proper citation ensures that credit is given to the original source and allows others to locate the same information. Government documents can include laws, statistical data, agency reports, and other official publications. Understanding how to cite these sources accurately in various citation styles is crucial for maintaining integrity and reliability in your work.
Understanding Citation Styles
Different fields of study often adhere to specific citation styles. The most common styles include the American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), and Chicago Manual of Style (CMS). Each style has its own guidelines for citing government documents.
In APA style, a government document citation typically includes the author (usually the government agency), the year of publication, the title of the document in italics, and the retrieval information if accessed online. For example:
APA Example:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Mental health statistics. Retrieved from nimh.nih.gov
In MLA style, the format is similar but places more emphasis on the title and less on the retrieval information. Here’s an example:
MLA Example:
United States, Department of Health and Human Services. Mental Health Statistics. U.S. Government Printing Office, 2020.
The Chicago Manual of Style offers two systems: Notes and Bibliography, and Author-Date. Here’s an example using the Notes and Bibliography system:
Chicago Example:
1. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates, 2020, census.gov.
Citing Online Government Documents
Many government documents are now available online, making them more accessible but also necessitating careful citation to ensure proper credit is given. When citing online government documents, it’s essential to include URLs or DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) where available.
An example in APA style for an online government document might look like this:
APA Online Example:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID-19 vaccination data. Retrieved from cdc.gov
- Author/Agency: Name of the issuing government body.
- Date: Year of publication.
- Title: Italicized title of the document.
- Retrieval Information: URL or DOI.
Citing Print Government Documents
Citing printed government documents involves slightly different details since there is no online retrieval information. The core elements remain the same: author, date, title, and publication details.
APA Print Example:
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019). Employment projections 2019-2029. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
The table below summarizes how to cite printed government documents in different styles:
| Citation Style | Example Format |
|---|---|
| APA | Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019). Employment projections 2019-2029. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. |
| MLA | Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment Projections 2019-2029. U.S. Government Printing Office, 2019. |
| Chicago | Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2019. Employment Projections 2019-2029. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. |
Citing Statistical Data from Government Sources
Citing statistical data requires special attention because it often involves specific datasets rather than full reports or documents. The key elements are similar but may include additional details such as dataset names or identification numbers.
APA Example for Statistical Data:
Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2021). Gross Domestic Product by State [Data set]. Retrieved from bea.gov
Tips for Accurate Citation
- Check Guidelines: Always refer to the most recent edition of your citation style’s manual.
- Verify Details: Ensure that all details such as authorship, titles, and publication dates are accurate.
- Include URLs/DOIs: For online sources, always include retrieval information to facilitate access by others.
- Edit for Consistency: Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your document or project.
Citing government documents accurately is a fundamental aspect of research integrity and professionalism. By following established guidelines and adapting them to different citation styles, you can ensure that your work remains credible and verifiable.
We've covered various methods to cite government documents across different styles including APA, MLA, and Chicago Manual of Style. Each style has specific rules but shares common elements such as author/agency name, publication date, title of the document, and retrieval or publication information where applicable.
The importance of proper citation cannot be overstated; it not only gives credit to original authors but also allows readers to trace back to the original sources for further research or verification. Always refer to the most recent editions of citation style manuals for precise guidelines and remain consistent throughout your work for clarity and professionalism.
