Why is virginia a commonwealth?
In all actuality, there is no difference between the term “state” and the term “commonwealth”. Both “state” and “commonwealth” are thus terms that can be used to describe an area within a country interchangeably. Virgina is called a commonwealth because since the state’s founding in 1776, this was what it was named. Look here for more information: http://www.kidscommonwealth.virginia.gov/FAQs/VaFAQ.