Why is massachusetts 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

Explains why Massachusetts is a Commonwealth and not a State History From 1776 to 1780 the words "State of Massachusetts Bay" appeared on the top of all acts and resolves. read more

Massachusetts is known officially as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,like Kentucky because of their respective State Constitutions, while Pennsylvania is a Commonwealth due to its official seal, and Virginia has been known as a commonwealth since before its statehood. read more