Section: Symbols & Holidays: Symbols★ 65/20

121. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

Official answer

  • • (Because there were) 13 original colonies
  • • (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies

Why

The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies.

Answers verified against USCIS materials. Last checked 2026-07-17.

Official source: USCIS — 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025)