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There are four states in the United States that call themselves commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. … When used to refer to U.S. states, there is no difference between a ‘state’ and a ‘commonwealth’. The distinction is in name alone.
Considering this, 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.
Quick Answer, what are the six states of the Commonwealth?
- Kentucky.
- Massachusetts.
- Pennsylvania.
- Virginia.
Also know, are all US states a commonwealth? 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.
As many you asked, what’s the difference between a commonwealth and a republic? A Commonwealth refers to an independent state created for the common good and includes various forms of government such as republics, constitutional monarchies, federations and confederations. A Republic is a particular form of government, one that does not have a monarch as its head of state.While the USA was a part of British empire but it did not leave like other countries like Canada, new Zealand. USA Gaines independence way earlier than those countries, so when commonwealth was formed, USA had moved far away from culture, political influence of Britain, so they did not join.
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 do they call Virginia a commonwealth?
“A commonwealth is ‘a state in which the supreme power is vested in the people. … When Virginia adopted its first constitution in 1776, the term commonwealth was reintroduced, most likely to emphasize that Virginia’s new government was based upon the sovereignty of the people united for the common good, or common weal.
Which US territories have neither the status of state nor Commonwealth?
As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is neither a state nor an independent country—and politics over its status remain complicated. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is neither a state nor an independent country—and politics over its status remain complicated.
Is West Virginia a commonwealth state?
During the American Revolution, the colonies of Massachusetts, Virginia and Pennsylvania declared themselves commonwealths. … West Virginia seceded from Virginia and decided to join the union. At the time, West Virginia did not choose to retain the commonwealth status; instead, it became a state in the U.S.A.
How is a state added?
New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the …
Can a republic be in the Commonwealth?
History. Republics have been permitted as members of the Commonwealth since the London Declaration made on 28 April 1949. … Following their independence from the United Kingdom, most Commonwealth countries retained Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, who was represented in the country by a Governor-General.
Does Commonwealth mean republic?
A commonwealth is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. Historically, it has been synonymous with “republic”. The noun “commonwealth”, meaning “public welfare, general good or advantage”, dates from the 15th century.
What are the benefits of a Commonwealth state?
- Elect their Leaders:
- Cannot Rule with Force:
- Rights of Citizens are Protected:
- Have Laws to Protect its citizens:
- Greater Prosperity and Freedom within Commonwealth State:
Can America join the Commonwealth?
The US doesn’t qualify to join the Commonwealth it is country freed itself by revolt, i.e., without the blessing of the king. The US doesn’t do monarchies, even constitutional ones. The Treaty of London, 28 April 1949, created the current Commonwealth of Nations and recognized King George VI as the head.
Why is China not in the Commonwealth?
The transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997 ended the territory’s status as a part of the Commonwealth through the United Kingdom. Non-sovereign states or regions are not permitted to become members of the Commonwealth. The government of the People’s Republic of China has not pursued membership.
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.”
Why is PA a commonwealth and not a state?
It simply means they’ve adopted the British term for providing for the “common good” or the “common wealth” of its citizens. The term was coined by 16th century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, considered one of the founders of modern political theory.
