Why is virginia a commonwealth?

However, the official title of Virginia is the "commonwealth of Virginia," and not the "state of Virginia. " At the time of U. S. independence, the word "commonwealth" meant a state that belonged to the people. Virginia chose this title to emphasize its democratic nature. read more

As in Virginia, the official title of the elected local prosecutor in each of Kentucky's political subdivisions is the "Commonwealth's Attorney," as opposed to State's Attorney in other States or the more standard District Attorney. read more

However, the official title of Virginia is the "commonwealth of Virginia," and not the "state of Virginia." At the time of U.S. independence, the word "commonwealth" meant a state that belonged to the people. Virginia chose this title to emphasize its democratic nature. read more

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

Quick Answer. Virginia is called a commonwealth because, like all of the United States, its government is comprised of and run by the people, as opposed to rule by a monarch. read more