West Virginia residents are subject to West Virginia state and U.S. federal laws. Federal laws apply in West Virginia as they do across all 50 states. In addition to the U.S. Constitution, which is the supreme law of the U.S., federal laws include statutes that are periodically codified in the U.S. Code.
What kind of state is West Virginia?
West Virginia, constituent state of the United States of America. Admitted to the union as the 35th state in 1863, it is a relatively small state. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland and Virginia to the east, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest.
Is West Virginia legally a state?
After a few edits—Lincoln insisted they insert a provision gradually abolishing slavery—West Virginia was granted statehood in 1863. The 10th state in the Union gave birth to the 35th.
Is West Virginia a separate state?
It was the only state to form from another state during this time, splitting from Virginia. West Virginia was officially admitted as a U.S. state on June 20, 1863.
Is Virginia a federal state?
Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains.
| Virginia | |
|---|---|
| Legislature | General Assembly |
| • Upper house | Senate |
| • Lower house | House of Delegates |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of Virginia |
Is West Virginia rich or poor?
West Virginia is the second-poorest U.S. state, with a $48,850 median household income and a poverty rate of 17.54%. West Virginia’s educational attainment levels are on the low side, with the lowest percentage of adults with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and has the second-lowest life expectancy of 74.8.
What’s so special about West Virginia?
West Virginia is the only state in the Union to have acquired its statehood by proclamation of the President of the United States. West Virginia is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain range, aptly given the nickname the Mountain State. West Virginia is the third most forested state.
Is it cheaper to live in WV or VA?
An amount below 100 means West Virginia is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means West Virginia, West Virginia is more expensive.
West Virginia cost of living is 78.1.
| COST OF LIVING | West Virginia | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78.1 | 100 |
| Grocery | 95.8 | 100 |
| Health | 106 | 100 |
| Housing | 41.7 | 100 |
Is West Virginia a state or commonwealth?
During the Civil War, Virginia seceded from the union to become a confederate state. West Virginia seceded from Virginia and decided to join the union. At the time, West Virginia did not choose to retain the commonwealth status; instead, it became a state in the U.S.A.
Was West Virginia a Confederate or Union state?
In June 1861, when Virginia decided to secede from the Union, most of the votes against secession came from what was the Western and Northwestern parts of Western Virginia. From that moment on the statehood movement was on and on June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state in the Union.
Was West Virginia a free state?
West Virginia became the 35th state on June 20, 1863, and the last slave state admitted to the Union. Eighteen months later, the West Virginia legislature completely abolished slavery, and also ratified the 13th Amendment on February 3, 1865.
Are West Virginia and Virginia different states?
The phrase reflects the history and identity of the state and indicates how West Virginia became the 35th state in the Union on June 20, 1863. The land that formed West Virginia used to be part of Virginia, but the two areas differed in both surroundings and people.
Is West Virginia a red state?
West Virginia is now a heavily Republican state, with John McCain winning the state in 2008, Mitt Romney in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.
What state is Washington DC?
Washington D.C. is not located in any of the 50 US states. It is located in the District of Columbia, which is what D.C. stands for. The location of Washington D.C. Originally, the seat of the government of the United States was located in Philadelphia, where members of the Continental Congress met.
What type of state is Virginia?
There are four states in the United States that call themselves commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The distinction is in name alone. The commonwealths are just like any other state in their politics and laws, and there is no difference in their relationship to the nation as a whole.
What defines federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government. Generally, an overarching national government is responsible for broader governance of larger territorial areas, while the smaller subdivisions, states, and cities govern the issues of local concern.
What is the poorest state in USA?
Mississippi
These states and territories have the highest percentages of poverty in the country: Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia, Alabama, the District of Columbia, South Carolina, and Georgia.
What is the wealthiest state in USA?
Richest U.S. States by GDP
- 1. California. California, the nation’s most populous state, has the largest state GDP of $3,120,386,000. California’s median household income is $80,440, the sixth-highest in the U.S.
- Texas.
- New York.
- Florida.
- Illinois.
What is the racial makeup of West Virginia?
West Virginia Demographics
White: 93.08% Black or African American: 3.69% Two or more races: 1.77% Asian: 0.80%
Is West Virginia a good place to live?
There are many advantages to living in this small but mighty state, including low costs, room to roam and grow, proximity to major cities, tight-knit communities and access to top-notch outdoor recreation. So, to quote another song commonly sung by West Virginia 4-H members, we invite you to come home to West Virginia.
Why do people like West Virginia?
On a very good note, West Virginia is known widely for its low cost of living and beautiful scenery—considered by many to be somewhat of a hidden gem, or even a paradise. If you’re an outdoorsy type, this just might be your dream state.
