Why does the flag have 50 stars?

Question 122 of 128 · Symbols · also on the 2008 test (question 97)

Accepted answers

(Because there is) one star for each state
(Because) each star represents a state
(Because there are) 50 states

Explanation

The flag has 50 stars because there are 50 states in the United States. Each star represents one state. When a new state joins, a new star is added. The last star was added in 1960 for Hawaii.

Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test — 128 Questions and Answers (PDF).

Last verified against USCIS on 2026-08-25.