2007-02-23 08:44:02 · 3 answers · asked by Maritza S 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Numerous definitions can be applied to the term commonwealth. In its loosest form, commonwealth means for the common or public good, and is often a state formed for the common good of the people. The term commonwealth can also apply to a group of nations that have a loose alliance for the good of all members of each nation.
Several US states have commonwealth designation. These are Virginia, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The commonwealth designation was important as these states originally defined their governance in direct opposition to the governance of the British Empire. The designation now lacks meaning and has merely been retained as a salute to the past history of rebellion that freed the US from British rule.
2007-02-27 06:38:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an official designation. PA, KY, and VA are also commonwealths. At one time a long time ago, it had to do with the system of government the state had, which basically had to do with the government working for the common good of the citizens of the state.
2007-02-23 16:51:16 · answer #2 · answered by bffer1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tradition. The Republic of Texas worries me more than Mass.
2007-02-23 16:54:19 · answer #3 · answered by Year of the Monkey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋