A "Commonwealth" generally refers to a political community founded for the common good. It can describe a group of states or nations that share similar goals, values, or governance structures. The term is often associated with the Commonwealth of Nations, a political association of 54 member countries, most of which are former territories of the British Empire. In the United States, several states, such as Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, are officially designated as commonwealths. This designation emphasizes their commitment to the welfare of their citizens and the importance of the common good in governance. Despite the title, these commonwealths function like other states in the U.S. system.