What is the difference between a 'commonwealth' and a 'state' In a commonwealth landowners do not possess mineral or oil rights to their land. They don't actually own their land but own its use.?

Answer 1

Numerous definitions can be applied to the term commonwealth. In its loosest form, commonwealth means for the common or public good, and is often a state formed for the common good of the people. The term commonwealth 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 commonwealth designation. These are Virginia, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The commonwealth designation was important as these states originally defined their governance in direct opposition to the governance of the British Empire. The designation now lacks meaning and has merely been retained as a salute to the past history of rebellion that freed the US from British rule. google_ad_request_done.current_ad_block = 1; google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);

Some US territories are also organized as commonwealths. These territories, like Puerto Rico, are not entitled to the same rights and benefits as recognized states. For example Puerto Rico's designation as a commonwealth implies an ongoing relationship with the US, but does not imply statehood.