PENNSYLVANIA - You've probably heard Pennsylvania called the "Keystone State," but have you ever noticed its official title is the "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"? This often leads to a common question: Is Pennsylvania a state or a commonwealth? The simple answer is, it's both.
PENNSYLVANIA - You've probably heard Pennsylvania called the "Keystone State," but have you ever noticed its official title is the "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"? This often leads to a common question: Is Pennsylvania a state or a commonwealth? The simple answer is, it's both.The Commonwealth Distinction
Let's clear this up right away: Pennsylvania is absolutely a state. It functions just like the other 49 states, with the same rights, powers, and relationship with the federal government. The term "commonwealth" is a formal, legal title chosen for historical reasons, and it has no practical effect on its status.
Pennsylvania is one of four U.S. states that use this designation. The others are:
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Virginia
What Does "Commonwealth" Actually Mean?
The term "commonwealth" is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. When the founders of these four states were drafting their first constitutions, they chose this title to emphasize that their government was established for the common welfare and prosperity of its citizens.
Here’s what the designation signifies:
- A Symbolic Title: It's an official name rooted in political philosophy, reflecting the ideals of a government by the people.
- Historical Roots: The choice was a nod to English history and a way to signal a break from the monarchical rule they had just fought to escape.
- No Legal Difference: Calling itself a commonwealth does not grant Pennsylvania any special status or power compared to a state like Ohio or New Jersey. It's a difference in name only.
So, while it might sound like a different category of government, a commonwealth in the U.S. context is simply another word for a state. It's a fascinating piece of historical trivia that speaks to the philosophical foundations upon which Pennsylvania was built.
