If the question relates to Commonwealths versus states, it'simportant to note that Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania andVirginia are all Commonwealths, although the distin
…ction has nolegal meaning or effect whatsoever. The District of Columbia, which includes the capital city ofWashington, D.C., is between the states of Virginia and Maryland,but is not part of any state. The District of Columbia was createdto be separate from any state, so it would not seem like thecountry was favoring one state over the other. There is no such thing. Although 4 of the 50 states (Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kentuckyand Virginia) are known as Commonwealths. They are still states. The United States has 50 states, 5 (inhabited) territories, and afederal district. The 5 territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands,Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands) are not states, so theycan't be states that aren't states. The federal district (District of Columbia) houses the City ofWashington DC. Some say this is the only City in the United Statesthat's not in a state, but there are several very large cities inthe territories that are just as much part of the United States asWashington DC and are not in a state either. (MORE) 
