What is the Commonwealth in simple terms?
A commonwealth is a group of people or of groups with a common aim to improve themselves, help each other and share knowledge and resources. The word can refer to several organisations: The Commonwealth of Nations, the countries linked with the United Kingdom usually speaking English.
What is the difference between a state and a commonwealth in the United States?
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’.
What does it mean if a state is 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.
Why are some states commonwealths?
The reason these states are called commonwealths is because when their constitutions were drafted, they referred to themselves as such. 17th century political philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke used the term to represent an organized political community.
How many states are called commonwealth?
four
The Commonwealth states There are four US states whose legal names include the term Commonwealth: Kentucky, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
Why is Virginia still called a commonwealth?
Since 1776, Virginia has been a “commonwealth.” It associated with other colonies through a Continental Congress starting in 1775, and became part of a confederation with other former colonies in 1781. Virginia became one of the “united” states when the Constitution was ratified in 1788.
Why is Massachusetts called a commonwealth?
Legally, Massachusetts is a commonwealth because the term is contained in the Constitution. In the era leading to 1780, a popular term for a whole body of people constituting a nation or state (also known as the body politic) was the word “Commonwealth.” This term was the preferred usage of some political writers.
What are the benefits of the Commonwealth?
We help to strengthen governance, build inclusive institutions and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.
What does it mean that Virginia is a commonwealth state?
According to the Hornbook of Virginia History, 4th ed., page 88: “A commonwealth is ‘a state in which the supreme power is vested in the people.
Who owns the Commonwealth?
the United Kingdom
Commonwealth, also called Commonwealth of Nations, formerly (1931–49) British Commonwealth of Nations, a free association of sovereign states comprising the United Kingdom and a number of its former dependencies who have chosen to maintain ties of friendship and practical cooperation and who acknowledge the British …
What are the pros and cons of a Commonwealth state?
Pros and Cons of Living in 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:
What is the benefit of living in a commonwealth state?
In a commonwealth, people are given a certain amount of rights that help them to live a good life and people’s rights are fundamental. Moreover, their rights are protected through the constitution which has been handed down to the commonwealth, and these rights are protected through laws.
What does the commonwealth do?
The Commonwealth is an association of 54 countries working towards shared goals. The Commonwealth is an association of 54 countries working towards shared goals of prosperity, democracy and peace.
Why is Virginia a Commonwealth?
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.
How many Commonwealth states are there in America?
four states
There are four states that refer to themselves as “commonwealths,” Massachusetts, Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
What is the advantage of being part of the Commonwealth?
Commonwealth member countries benefit from being part of a mutually supportive community of independent and sovereign states, aided by more than 80 Commonwealth organisations. The Commonwealth Secretariat, established in 1965, supports Commonwealth member countries to achieve development, democracy and peace.