United States of America.
By mipen2006
@mipen2006 (5528)
Australia
February 12, 2008 8:25pm CST
Can anyone tell me why some American states are called Commonwealth? Two I'm aware of are Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Commonwealth of Virginia. Does it go back to pre Independence, when they were colonized by Britain?
Please someone, can you help?
1 response
@cifirretsbol (160)
• United States
13 Feb 08
i'm sorry i don't have an answer for you but i wanted to add that there's also the commonwealth of pennsylvania. i wonder if there are any commonwealths that weren't part of the original 13 colonies?
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
13 Feb 08
Now you have added one to my two, I wonder if there are any more? Obviously the origin is from colonization, but why some states retain the word Commonwealth is beyond me. Thank you for your response.
@Mondoh (147)
• United States
13 Feb 08
Kentucky
Commonwealth used in these titles generally means a political unit (State) founded in law by agreement of the people for the common good. It's original meaning from the 15th century literally translates into "common well-being" Hope this helps.
