Why are Massachusetts and Virginia Commonwealths instead of states?

Question

I have always wondered why Massachusetts and Virginia are considered Commonwealths. I know Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the US, and I always though that a commonwealth was a part of the country but not quite a state... I have tried to look it up but I have never been able to figure it out (my US History teacher from high school couldn't evem tell me why...) So I was just wondering if anyone might know.

Answer 1

In the case of Massachusetts, in its constitution which was ratified in 1780, its official name is the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Colloquially, it is often referred to simply as "the Commonwealth," although "state" is used interchangeably. While this designation is part of the state's official name, it has no practical implications. Massachusetts has the same position and powers within the United States as other states and a similar form of internal government.
In the case of Virginia on June 29, 1776, the Virginia Convention, which had been a series of five political meetings in the state of Virginia in response to British colonial rule, adopted a constitution that established Virginia as a commonwealth independent of the British Empire. As should be noted this took place prior to the declaration of war with the British Empire on July 4,1776.

There are other commonwealths within US grasp other than those you cited. These are
Commonwealths of the Northern Mariana Islands, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania

Answer 2

Commonwealth is essentially synonymous with state. It is just hearkening back to the past when the states were formed. A commonwealth is formed by a compact and the power ultimately rests with the people. In modern terms there is little distinction between a commonwealth and a state.

Pennsylvania and Kentucky are also commonwealths.

Answer 3

Calling those two States "commonwealths" is like calling Texas a Republic. Yes, Texas was the only State that ever was a Republic before it became a State, but, it did become a State, so, it's NOT a Republic anymore. Some people, maybe like Mass. and Virginia, have a hard time letting go of the past. That's all it is. A name. God Bless you.

Answer 4

It's more of a formality that stems back to the days when they were an English colony. Everything else uses the term state, like the Virginia State Police for example.

Answer 5

good question.......i want to know the answer to that one since i live in Puerto Rico.

Answer 6

add Pennsylvania and Kentucky to your list.