So You Want to Cite an Executive Order in Chicago Style? Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's Not Brain Surgery (But It Can Feel Like It)
Let's face it, citations can be the bane of a writer's existence. You're on a roll, crafting a masterpiece, then WHAM! You hit a snag – how do you cite that darn executive order you just referenced? Fear not, weary scholar, for this guide will be your shining beacon in the murky swamp of Chicago-style citation.
First Things First: You Ain't Putting This Bad Boy in Your Bibliography
Unlike your beloved novels and scholarly articles, executive orders don't get the red-carpet treatment in your bibliography. They're more like the cool kids who lurk in the back of the class, only showing up in footnotes (or endnotes, if that's your jam).
Breaking Down the Footnoted Fury
Now, let's dissect this footnote beast and turn it into a friend, not foe. Here's the basic format:
- Author: This will be the issuing authority, which is usually the mayor's office (e.g., City of Chicago, Office of the Mayor).
- Title: Here's where things get fancy. You'll need the executive order number followed by the title in quotation marks, all punctuated with a delightful comma party. Don't forget to add "Executive Order" after the title.
- Date: Hit your reader with the date the order was signed. Month, day, and year – keep it simple, silly.
For Example:
City of Chicago, Office of the Mayor. "Executive Order 2024-13, Implementing Mandatory Nap Time for Aldermanic Meetings," November 19, 2023.
Bonus Round: Adding a Little Extra Sass
If you're feeling spicy, you can include the official source (like a city website) after the date. But hey, that's just the sprinkle on top of your citation sundae.
Now You're Talking My Language!
There you have it, folks! With this knowledge, you can conquer any executive order lurking in your research. Remember, Chicago style might have its quirks, but it's no match for your newfound citation mastery. So go forth and write, my friend, and may your footnotes be ever clear and concise (or at least not horrendously wrong).
