Difference Between Commonwealth and State

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. When used to refer to U.S. states, there is no difference between a 'state' and a 'commonwealth'. The distinction is in name alone.

1. What does it mean for a state to be a commonwealth?
2. Why is Pennsylvania called a commonwealth instead of a state?
3. Why is it called Commonwealth?
4. Why is Pennsylvania a commonwealth?
5. What are the 5 Commonwealth states?
6. What are the 13 Commonwealth states?
7. What does it mean Commonwealth vs someone?
8. Is Pennsylvania a good place to live?
9. What does commonwealth law mean?
10. What is the purpose of Commonwealth?
11. Is America a Commonwealth country?
12. Who is the head of the Commonwealth of Nations?

What does it mean for a state to be a 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. ... As such, they share a strong influence of English common law in some of their laws and institutions.

Why is Pennsylvania called a commonwealth instead of 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.

Why is it called Commonwealth?

Originally a phrase (the common-wealth or the common wealth – echoed in the modern synonym "public wealth") it comes from the old meaning of "wealth", which is "well-being", and is itself a loose translation of the Latin res publica (republic). The term literally meant "common well-being".

Why is Pennsylvania a commonwealth?

Pennsylvania was designated as a commonwealth as early as 1776, when it formed its own state -- I mean commonwealth -- constitution. That means we were a commonwealth before we were part of the United States, and indeed before there was even a United States to be part of.

What are the 5 Commonwealth states?

There are four US states whose legal names include the term Commonwealth: Kentucky, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

What are the 13 Commonwealth states?

The United States of America initially consisted of 13 states that had been British colonies until their independence was declared in 1776 and verified by the Treaty of Paris in 1783: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, ...

What does it mean Commonwealth vs someone?

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. When used to refer to U.S. states, there is no difference between a 'state' and a 'commonwealth'. The distinction is in name alone.

Is Pennsylvania a good place to live?

Pennsylvania offers a high-quality of life.

Between being home to some of the best universities in the world, high-ranking health institutions, rich history and four beautiful seasons (save for a pretty cold winter)… Pennsylvania offers all the essentials for a high-quality of life.

What does commonwealth law mean?

A commonwealth is a free state, or republic, characterized by a representative government. The states of the United States may each be considered commonwealths.

What is the purpose of Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth maintains its own flag. The purpose of the voluntary Commonwealth is for international cooperation and to advance economics, social development, and human rights in member countries. Decisions of the various Commonwealth councils are non-binding.

Is America a Commonwealth country?

Originally, the countries that made up the Commonwealth included the United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Newfoundland, and the Irish Free State. As things stand, the United States is not a member of the Commonwealth although it eligible to join and has expressed interest in the past.

Who is the head of the Commonwealth of Nations?

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is Head of the Commonwealth. The role: is an important symbolic one.