From the 1760's, the British American colonies had evidenced an increased discomfort with their British overlords, and a desire for a greater degree of autonomy.
In American political usage, the term "commonwealth" has no special implication. GOPc suggests, without further proof or citation, that by forming a "commonwealth" in June 1776, Virgina unilaterally declared their independence. In fact, what they did was form a local autonomous, republican government, and at the same time, instructed their delegates in the Continental Congress to move for independence "unitedly." Richard Henry Lee of Virgina moved the original Resolution for Independence in the Congress and it was seconded by John Adams.
It makes for an interesting comparison the place the Declaration of Independence next to the Virginia Declaration of Rights and June 1776 Constitution. One thing that stands out, is that in the Declaration of Independence, there is no doubt what the united colonies were doing in declaring themselves the United States.
My proof is in plain view, capitan. The Virginia Constitution explicitly stated that the new Commonwealth's ties to Great Britain were "totally dissolved," meaning they were cut, severed, ended, and closed in full - in totality - without any qualifications or remaining links. I realize that you suffer from the side effects of a severe anal retentive medical condition and I realize that blindness-by-choice happens to be one of those side effects, but you simply cannot deny what is in that document any longer. You've lost, Black Knight, and have no arms or legs left.