Why is Pennsylvania called a commonwealth?

Answer 1

Commonwealth essentially means state, but the governments of these states were formed by the people of the state to distinguish themselves from state governments that were formed out of a former Royal colony. The US has a few commonwealths, KY, MA, VA & MA. The term commonwealth as used by the states is different from Commonwealth meaning countries that were formerly British ruled.

Answer 2

This designation, which has no constitutional impact, emphasizes that they have a "government based on the common consent of the people" as opposed to one legitimized through their earlier Royal Colony status that was derived from the King of Great Britain. The word commonwealth is of English derivation and refers to the common "wealth" or welfare of the public. In common parlance, people do not make the distinction between state or commonwealth.

The state of Virginia gets its name from Elizabeth I "Virgin Queen" as she never married.. its referred to as the Commonwealth of Virginia for the reasons as stated.

Answer 3

The fact that Virginia is often called a commonwealth does not mean that it is not a state. Virginia is one of the 50 states which collectively form the United States of America. It also uses the term commonwealth because it was a commonwealth before it was a state; Virginia was founded as a British colony.

Answer 4

The people of Pennsylvania vote for representatives who vote for all laws/acts. Most states allow for their people to vote on such things as tax increases and such but not in Pennsylvania.

Answer 5

Yes it is one of 4.

* Kentucky * Virginia * Pennsylvania * Massachusetts