What does it mean for a state to be a commonwealth?

What does it mean for a state to be a commonwealth?

Nowadays, a commonwealth has come to mean any government in which all people involved have a say, or a loose formation of nations with a shared loyalty. It is also the official designation of a few states including, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia and some U.S. territories.

Why do they call some states commonwealth?

Commonwealth is a term used by four of the 50 states of the United States in their full official state names. “Commonwealth” is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good.

What’s the difference between a commonwealth state and a regular state?

The Difference Between States and Commonwealths A state is a territory or organized community under one government. Commonwealth is a legal designation for an independent territory, country or community.

What is the benefit of living in a commonwealth state?

In a commonwealth, people are given a certain amount of rights that help them to live a good life and people’s rights are fundamental. Moreover, their rights are protected through the constitution which has been handed down to the commonwealth, and these rights are protected through laws.

Why is PA called a Commonwealth and not a state?

Pennsylvania along with the then-colonies of Massachusetts, Virginia and Kentucky, in order to maintain their British roots identity yet clearly indicate independence from England, chose to be called Commonwealths.

What states are referred to as Commonwealth?

Botswana

  • Cameroon
  • Gambia,The
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Kingdom of eSwatini
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • What are the US states that are Commonwealth states?

    Guam (Pacific) (physically part of the Marianas Islands but politically separate)

  • American Samoa (Pacific)
  • U.S. Virgin Islands (Caribbean) (uses “U.S.” in name to distinguish from neighboring British Virgin Islands)
  • What US states are commonwealths?

    Territories (various types)

  • Miscellaneous Insular or Outlying Areas. – No permanent population.
  • Freely Associated States. – The word “State” is used here in the international sense as an independent country with the exception that the United States is responsible for their defense.
  • Which states call themselves commonwealths?

    Commonwealths and States in US:

  • States of US are forty six (46) in number. They include states such as Florida,Alabama,California,etc.
  • Commonwealths are four in number. They are Massachusetts,Virginia,Kentucky,and Pennsylvania.