What is the Difference Between Commonwealth and State?

The terms "Commonwealth" and "State" are often used interchangeably in the context of the United States, and there is no significant difference between them in terms of political status or legal implications. Both terms refer to a political unit with local autonomy that is voluntarily united with the United States. However, there are some historical and cultural reasons for using the term "Commonwealth" in certain cases.

There are four states in the United States that call themselves commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These four states have officially adopted the term "Commonwealth" in their constitutions, but it does not confer any special legal significance. The term "Commonwealth" does not provide for any specific political status or legal advantages compared to other states.

Historically, the term "Commonwealth" was used during the English Civil War when England became a republic, and the office of the King and the House of Lords were abolished. In the United States, the term "Commonwealth" was preferred by some political writers, possibly due to some anti-monarchial sentiment. The word "Commonwealth" highlights that the states' governments were intended to serve the well-being of the people.

In summary, the difference between a "Commonwealth" and a "State" in the United States lies only in the name, and there is no difference in their legal or political status.

Comparative Table: Commonwealth vs State

The terms "commonwealth" and "state" are often used interchangeably in the context of the United States and its 50 states. However, there are some differences between the two:

• Commonwealth: A commonwealth refers to a group of nations formerly under British rule, a U.S. state, or a territory like Puerto Rico, which is not a state. The term "commonwealth" has been used to express the ideals of a free, sovereign, and independent political community.

• State: A state refers to a sovereign, independent body politic or territory that is part of a nation.

In the United States, there are four states whose legal names include the term "Commonwealth": Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These states have the term "commonwealth" in their constitutions, but it does not affect laws or life in these states today, nor did it when they were first created. The distinction between a commonwealth and a state is in name alone, and the commonwealths are just like any other state in their politics and laws.