What is the different between the Empire and the Commonwealth?
Both terms generate much debate in political and historical circles. The Empire preceded the Commonwealth. Territories of the Empire were often acquired, and sometimes governed, by force. The Commonwealth was, and still is, a voluntary association often viewed as a legacy of the Empire. The Commonwealth was established as a free association of equal partners. Originally set up as the Commonwealth of Nations in 1931, it was a voluntary association and recognised the independent and equal status of former Dominions. As it developed over time, the Commonwealth was not bound by rules but members subscribed to a number of declarations advocating common standards. From the outset, membership of the Commonwealth was open to any independent state which had been ruled or administered by Britain and recognised the Queen as the Head of the Commonwealth. Mozambique, which was controlled by Portugal but joined the Commonwealth in 1995, is an exception. Today there are 53 members of the Commonwealth
