What is a Commonwealth State In the USA?

Commonwealth State: In the United States, the term Commonwealth State often creates confusion, especially for readers who are unfamiliar with American political terminology.

At first glance, it may sound as though these states have a special constitutional status or enjoy powers that other states do not. 

However, this is not the case.

The word “commonwealth” is largely historical and traditional, rather than legal or political in nature. It reflects an idea of governance based on the common good of the people, a concept that dates back several centuries.

The United States is a federal union of states, and all states, whether they call themselves a “state” or a “commonwealth,” are equal under the U.S. Constitution. 

The distinction lies mainly in language, not in authority or rights. 

This article will tell you the meaning of a commonwealth state and facts about it. 

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What is a Commonwealth State?

Commonwealths are basically communities that have been created or formed for the benefit and well-being of all citizens, an idea that is based on the concept of common wealth. 

The term was originally used to describe the constitution of a government created with the express approval of the people and not the will of a sovereign, as in the case of the United Kingdom. 

As far as politics are concerned, commonwealths provide for the public good, joint responsibility, and collective benefit of the population.

Commonwealths were at the heart of many early movements towards democracy, especially in England and later its colonies.

When the first few of the original 13 American colonies achieved independence, they applied the term "commonwealth" to designate the governmental bodies that were created to serve the citizens.

Commonwealth States in the United States

In the United States, there are four states that officially use the title ‘Commonwealth.’ These are:

1. Virginia

2. Massachusetts

3. Pennsylvania

4. Kentucky

These states refer to themselves as “Commonwealth of Virginia,” “Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” and so on, in their official state constitutions and legal documents. 

However, this title does not make them different from other states in terms of power, status, or relationship with the federal government.

Is a Commonwealth Different from a State?

No, a commonwealth state is not legally different from any other U.S. state. All states in the United States are equal under the Constitution. They have the same rights, responsibilities, and representation in Congress.

Commonwealth states follow the same federal laws as other states, participate in federal elections in the same way, and have the same type of state governments, including governors, legislatures, and courts. 

In simple terms, a commonwealth state is still a state; only the name is different.

Why Do Some States Use the Term “Commonwealth”?

Commonwealth states in the United States are Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania because these three states were originally part of the original thirteen colonies and therefore used the term commonwealth in their first constitutions to indicate their allegiance to the principles of republicanism and self-governance when they formed the constitution in the 18th century.

Kentucky was chosen to follow a similar tradition to Virginia because it was the 15th state to join the Union and, therefore, adopted the same designation as Virginia.

So, the term "commonwealth" was coined by those who were committing themselves to the proposition that the government exists for the benefit of the citizens and not for the interests of any one ruler or a small group.

Thus, the U.S. Commonwealth states are all states that utilize the historical title of commonwealth to continue long-standing historical and philosophical traditions.

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