What is APSA citation and why is it used?

APSA (American Political Science Association) citation is the standard style for political science research. It ensures academic integrity by providing a clear, consistent method for attributing sources, allowing readers to easily locate original materials. Its structure, combining author-date in-text citations with footnotes and a bibliography, is tailored to the specific needs of political science scholarship.

When should I use footnotes in APSA style?

Footnotes in APSA are primarily for substantive comments, additional information that doesn't fit into the main text, or for citing complex sources like multiple interviews or archival collections. They are *not* typically used for standard bibliographic citations, which belong to the author-date system or the bibliography. Use them sparingly for clarity and conciseness.

How do I cite a government document in an APSA bibliography?

Citing government documents requires precision. Include the agency, title of the document (italicized), report number (if applicable), publication city, publisher, and year. For online documents, add "Available at:" followed by the URL. Example: U.S. Department of State. *Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2022*. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2023.

What's a common mistake to avoid when using APSA citation?

A common mistake is confusing APSA's use of footnotes with styles like Chicago, where footnotes *are* the primary citation method. In APSA, footnotes are for supplemental information, while in-text author-date citations handle direct source attribution. Always double-check that your in-text citations match your bibliography entries for accuracy.

APSA Citation Guide: Master Political Science Referencing

Understanding APSA Citation Style

The American Political Science Association (APSA) citation style is the definitive guide for referencing sources in political science research. Developed specifically for the discipline, it provides a consistent framework for acknowledging the work of others, ensuring academic integrity, and allowing readers to easily locate the original sources. Unlike styles like MLA or APA, APSA combines elements of an author-date in-text citation system with the strategic use of footnotes for supplementary information, all supported by a comprehensive bibliography.

Mastering APSA citation is crucial for students and professionals in political science. It demonstrates meticulous scholarship, enhances the credibility of your arguments, and adheres to the standards expected within the field. This guide breaks down the core components of APSA style, offering practical examples and best practices to help you navigate its intricacies.

Core Components of APSA Style

APSA citation primarily relies on three interconnected elements:

In-Text Citations (Author-Date System): Brief parenthetical citations within the body of your text, typically including the author's last name and the year of publication. These directly point to a full entry in your bibliography.
Footnotes: Numbered notes at the bottom of the page, primarily used for substantive comments, additional explanatory material, or to cite complex sources that don't fit neatly into the author-date system. They are not typically used for standard bibliographic citations.
Bibliography: A comprehensive list at the end of your paper, detailing all sources cited in your work. Entries are alphabetized by the author's last name and provide full publication information.

In-Text Citations (Author-Date System)

The in-text citation system in APSA is straightforward, designed for quick reference to the source.

Basic Format

Place the author's last name and the year of publication in parentheses. If specific page numbers are relevant, include them after a colon.

(Smith 2020)
(Jones 2019, 45)

Incorporating Author's Name in Text

If you mention the author's name in your sentence, only include the year (and page number, if applicable) in parentheses.

According to Smith (2020), democratic backsliding is a significant concern.
Jones (2019, 45) argues that electoral systems play a critical role.

Multiple Authors

Two Authors: Include both last names.

* (Smith and Jones 2021)

Three or More Authors: Use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (Latin for "and others").

* (Williams et al. 2018)

Corporate or Organizational Authors

If the author is an organization or government agency, use its full name or a well-known abbreviation (if the full name is provided in the bibliography).

(United Nations 2023)
(Amnesty International 2022, 12)

No Author

If a source has no identifiable author, use a shortened version of the title (or the full title if very short) in place of the author's name.

("Global Trends" 2023)
( The Economist 2022)

Multiple Works by the Same Author in the Same Year

Distinguish between works by adding a lowercase letter after the year.

(Miller 2019a)
(Miller 2019b)

Multiple Works in One Citation

List multiple sources alphabetically by author, separated by semicolons.

(Brown 2018; Davis 2019; White 2020)

Footnotes for Additional Context

APSA's use of footnotes is distinct from styles that use them for primary source attribution. In APSA, footnotes are for:

Substantive Comments: Providing additional background information, elaborating on a point, or offering a nuanced perspective that would otherwise disrupt the flow of your main text.
Complex Source Information: Citing multiple interviews, archival collections, or other sources that require more detailed explanation than a simple author-date citation.
Alternative Interpretations: Briefly discussing scholarly debates or alternative viewpoints without derailing your argument.

Formatting Footnotes

Place a superscript number in your text immediately after the sentence or clause to which the footnote refers.
The corresponding footnote appears at the bottom of the page, beginning with the same number, followed by the text of the note.
Footnotes are single-spaced, with a blank line between individual notes if there are multiple on a page.

Example In-Text: The concept of democratic peace theory has faced considerable scrutiny.¹

Example Footnote: ¹ For a comprehensive critique, see Christopher Layne, "Kant or Cant: The Myth of the Democratic Peace," International Security 19, no. 2 (1994): 5-49. This debate highlights the complexities of causal inference in international relations.

Remember, if a source is cited in a footnote and is also a primary source for your argument, it should still appear in your bibliography.

The Bibliography (Reference List)

The bibliography, titled "References" or "Bibliography," lists all sources cited in your paper. It appears at the end of your document, after any appendices.

General Formatting Rules

Alphabetical Order: Entries are listed alphabetically by the author's last name. If no author, alphabetize by the first significant word of the title.
Indentation: Use a hanging indent (the first line of each entry is flush left, subsequent lines are indented).
Spacing: Double-space the entire bibliography.
Punctuation: Pay close attention to commas, periods, and colons as specified for each source type.
Capitalization: For titles of books, articles, and chapters, capitalize the first word of the title and subtitle, and all major words. For journal titles, capitalize all major words.

Common Source Types in the Bibliography

Here are examples for frequently used source types:

Book

Format: Author Last, First. Year. Title of Book. City: Publisher.

Example: Putnam, Robert D. 1993. Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Chapter in an Edited Book

Format: Author Last, First. Year. "Title of Chapter." In Title of Book, edited by Editor First Last, Page Range. City: Publisher.

Example: Schmitter, Philippe C. 2000. "The Consolidation of Democracy and Representation of Social Groups." In The Global Resurgence of Democracy, edited by Larry Diamond and Marc F. Plattner, 241-255. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Journal Article

Format: Author Last, First. Year. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume (Issue): Page Range.

Example: Keck, Margaret E., and Kathryn Sikkink. 1998. "Transnational Activist Networks." International Organization 52 (3): 519-541.

Online Journal Article (with DOI)

Format: Author Last, First. Year. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume (Issue): Page Range. doi:DOI Number.

Example: Fearon, James D. 2004. "Why Do Some Civil Wars Last So Much Longer Than Others?" Journal of Peace Research 41 (3): 275-301. doi:10.1177/0022343304043770.

Website

Format: Author Last, First (if available). Year (of last update/publication). "Title of Page/Article." Name of Website. URL (Accessed Month Day, Year).

Example: Pew Research Center. 2023. "Public Opinion on Climate Change." Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2023/08/09/public-opinion-on-climate-change/ (Accessed September 15, 2023).

Newspaper Article (Print)

Format: Author Last, First (if available). Year. "Title of Article." Name of Newspaper, Month Day.

Example: Brooks, David. 2023. "The Erosion of Trust." New York Times, August 10.

Newspaper Article (Online)

Format: Author Last, First (if available). Year. "Title of Article." Name of Newspaper, Month Day. URL (Accessed Month Day, Year).

Example: Lipton, Eric. 2023. "The Lobbying Battle Over Tech Regulation." Washington Post, September 1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/09/01/tech-lobbying-congress/ (Accessed September 5, 2023).

Government Document

Format: Government Agency. Year. Title of Document. City: Publisher.

Example: U.S. Department of State. 2022. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2021. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.

Tips for APSA Success

Consistency is Key: Once you choose a format (e.g., using "et al." for three or more authors), stick with it throughout your paper.
Use a Citation Manager: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can automate much of the formatting, reducing errors and saving time. Ensure they are set to APSA style.
Cross-Reference: Always verify that every in-text citation has a corresponding entry in your bibliography, and vice-versa. Mismatched or missing entries are common errors.
Understand the Purpose of Footnotes: Resist the urge to use footnotes for standard bibliographic citations. Their role is supplementary in APSA.
Consult the Official Guide: For complex or unusual sources, refer to the APSA Style Manual for Political Science (published by Oxford University Press) for definitive guidance.
Proofread Carefully: Even with automated tools, human error can creep in. Carefully proofread your citations and bibliography for typos, incorrect punctuation, and formatting inconsistencies. If the complexities of APSA formatting or other citation styles become overwhelming, remember that services like EssayMatrix can provide professional editing and formatting assistance to ensure your work meets the highest academic standards.

Conclusion

APSA citation style is an integral part of scholarly communication in political science. By diligently applying its rules for in-text citations, footnotes, and bibliography entries, you not only demonstrate respect for intellectual property but also enhance the clarity and professionalism of your own research. While it may seem daunting at first, consistent practice and attention to detail will make APSA second nature, allowing you to focus more on the substance of your arguments.

Apsa Citation