2006-11-26 11:44:37 · 3 answers · asked by Pepela 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
As far as the federal government is concerned, there is no difference. A state is a state is a state (no matter what it calls itself).
However, there are historical reasons for the different names.
Most of the "Commonwealths" were part of the original British colonies, and didn't bother to change their official names after the revolution. These are Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Now, Kentucky isn't one of the original colonies... but it was actually carved out of Virginia and kept the title.
The United States also has two states that call themselves "Republics" -- the Republic of Texas and the California Republic. This is because they were briefly independent nations (in the 19th century) before becoming states.
Interestingly, Hawaii was a Kingdom, and then also briefly became a Republic...however, it doesn't refer to itself as either in the state constitution, flag, or any other official document. It is just the "State of Hawaii"
2006-11-26 18:36:15 · answer #1 · answered by SFdude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing, in fact some states in the U.S. refer to themselves as commonwealths in their charter. Those states are Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
2006-11-26 11:59:15 · answer #2 · answered by gregory_dittman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THey decided to be Commonwealths. THey are identical to states in every respect.
2016-03-29 10:13:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋