What makes Kentucky a commonwealth?

Commonwealth is a designation used by four of the 50 states of the United States in their full official state names: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Prior to 1776, each was, either entirely or in part, a British colony; all four share in common a strong influence of English common law expressed in some of their laws and institutions. read more

This is not the case in Kentucky. Here, both parties could potentially be arrested regardless of whether or not they would prefer to just drop it, because, by breaking the law, they have committed a “crime against the commonwealth”. read more

In 1790 when it separated from Virginia, Kentucky chose to retain the commonwealth moniker. During the Civil War, Virginia seceded from the union to become a confederate state. West Virginia seceded from Virginia and decided to join the union. read more