2025 civics test · Question 121 of 128 · Symbols

Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

Official answers

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

Why

The 13 red and white stripes stand for the 13 original colonies. Memory tip: stripes are the past (13 colonies), stars are the present (50 states).

★ This is one of the 20 questions for the 65/20 special consideration.