Which 4 states are commonwealths?
There are four states in the United States that call themselves commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The distinction is in name alone. The commonwealths are just like any other state in their politics and laws, and there is no difference in their relationship to the nation as a whole.
What is the meaning of a Commonwealth state?
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 is Pennsylvania a commonwealth and not a state?
When Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and Massachusetts became part of the United States, they merely took the old form of state in their title. Each of these states was also a former British Colony. Today, Commonwealth also means a political unit having local autonomy but voluntarily united with the United States.
Which states are commonwealths and why?
Here’s why only 4 US states are called ‘Commonwealths,’ and the significance behind the label
- Only four US states have legal names that include the term Commonwealth: Kentucky, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
- Here’s the historical (and global) significance behind the label.
Why are some US states commonwealths?
They are commonwealths simply because their state constitutions say they’re commonwealths. ‘” Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Massachusetts all adopted constitutions between the years 1776 and 1780, so we can assume that calling yourself a “commonwealth” during that era was somewhat in vogue.
Why are some states referred to as commonwealths?
Why is Pennsylvania a commonwealth?
officially the designation is ‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. ‘ A commonwealth is a community formed for the ‘common weal’ — that is, for the common good and welfare of all — in which the citizens choose their government and make their laws by majority vote.”
Why is Kentucky a commonwealth?
Back when the colonies declared their independence from England, Kentucky was still a part of Virginia, which extended from its current borders all the way out to the Mississippi River. In 1792, Virginia’s Kentucky County became its own state, and also decided to take on the name “commonwealth.”
How many US states are commonwealths?
four states
There are four states that refer to themselves as “commonwealths,” Massachusetts, Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Is Florida a commonwealth state?
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.
Which states are called commonwealths?
There are four states that refer to themselves as “commonwealths,” Massachusetts, Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.