Commonwealth (U.S. state)

Four of the constituent states of the United States call themselves officially as self Commonwealth: Kentucky Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

This designation, which has no constitutional impact, emphasizes that they have a "government based on the consent of the people ," as opposed to its former status as a Crown Colony, which was the British king -dependent. The word Commonwealth refers in this context to the common "wealth" or welfare of the public and is derived from the direct translation of the term "republic" (from the Latin res publica ).

In addition to the four mentioned occasionally use other States the term " Commonwealth " to refer to themselves. The State of Vermont for example, used the term " Commonwealth " three times in its constitution, interchangeable with the term "state". Even Delaware described himself in his Constitution of 1776 as a " Commonwealth ".

Commonwealth of Kentucky

On September 28, 1785 the residents of Kentucky County implemented to ensure that Kentucky is a state. It wanted to be recognized as a " free and independent state, which is known as the Commonwealth of Kentucky ." On June 1, 1792 officially from the Kentucky County a state. In the Constitution of 1850, the term " Commonwealth of Kentucky " for all dispositions and decisions is introduced, before the name "State of Kentucky " was used.

Kentucky is the only state in addition to the thirteen founding states, the " Commonwealth " is used in its name.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Massachusetts under the Constitution carries the name "The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ". The name "State of Massachusetts Bay " were used in all laws and resolutions up to 1780 and in the first draft of the Constitution. The current name can be traced back to the second draft of the Constitution of the State, which was written by John Adams and ratified in 1780. In Massachusetts, the term state is sometimes used officially, but usually in a composite structure not as a stand-alone noun. This is evident for example in the name of Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts State House, and Bridgewater State Hospital.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Seal of Pennsylvania does not use the term, but official acts are performed on behalf of the Commonwealth and it is a traditional official designation, which is used in relation to the state. In 1776, Pennsylvania speaks in its first state constitution, both of " Commonwealth " and "state " which means also in the constitutions of 1790, 1838, 1874 and 1968 was continued.

Commonwealth of Virginia

The name " Commonwealth of Virginia " goes back to its independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Virginia's first constitution (adopted on 29 June 1776) provides that " Commissions and Grants Shall run, In the Name of the commonwealth of Virginia, and bear test by the Governor with the Seal of the Commonwealth Annexed. " The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall issue orders in this way. According to other sources are the Constitution provides that criminal charges should be decided " against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth. " In addition, in contrast to the prosecutors in other states or the normal district prosecutors, the official title of the elected local prosecutor of the relevant policy areas of Virginia that of a " Commonwealth 's Attorney".

In Virginia, the concept of State is sometimes officially used as in Massachusetts, but usually in a composite structure, not as a stand-alone noun. This shows, for example, in names such as State Corporation Commission ( Virginia) and Virginia State Police.

Prosecution

In Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, the prosecutions of criminals in the name of " Commonwealth " takes place. In California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and New York including on behalf of the people ( " People" ). In all other U.S. states, the prosecution of criminals "in the name of the state" takes place.