Commonwealth can refer to a state formed for the common good or a group of nations with a loose alliance. Some US states and territories have the designation, while the Commonwealth of Nations and former USSR countries also have alliances. Commonwealth does not imply the same type of government, but often values individual rights and public influence in politics.
Numerous definitions can be applied to the term commonwealth. In its most generic form, the term means for the common or public good, and is often a state formed for the common good of the people. It can also apply to a group of nations that have a loose alliance for the good of all members of each nation.
Several US states have the Commonwealth designation. These are Virginia, Massachusetts, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The designation was important as these states originally defined their government in direct opposition to the government of the British Empire. The designation now lacks meaning and was simply kept as a salute to the past history of rebellion that freed the United States from British rule.
Some US territories are also organized as Commonwealths. These territories, like Puerto Rico, do not have the same rights and benefits as recognized states. For example, Puerto Rico’s designation as a Commonwealth implies an ongoing relationship with the United States, but does not imply statehood.
One of the largest is the Commonwealth of Nations, nations formerly part of the British Empire. This group is led by Queen Elizabeth II and involves fellowship, but not dominion, over former British territories such as New Zealand and Canada. The Commonwealth of Nations comprises 53 nations, each with its own self-government.
Another large Commonwealth is the alliance of more than 10 countries formerly belonging to the USSR. These ties can often help smaller countries gain larger political power through the unifying force of the group. The Commonwealth of this type, however, does not hold the same kind of political power as, say, the United Nations. But those countries that belong to the United Nations can strengthen themselves by voting together on the issues that can have the greatest impact on them.
A Commonwealth does not necessarily imply the same type of government. Alliances connecting nations can consist of monarchies, democracies and socialist states. Most often, the association is thought of as somewhat Democratic or Republican in principle, with a greater value on people’s individual rights and public influence in the political process.
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