Question 122: Why does the flag have 50 stars?
Official answers (any one counts)
USCIS accepts any of these answers. If the question asks for more than one, give as many as it asks.
- (Because there is) one star for each state
- (Because) each star represents a state
- (Because there are) 50 states
Grandpa explains
There are 50 states, one star each. The flag has had 50 stars since 1960, after Hawaii joined.
Careful: these are NOT the answer
These are the common mix-ups. The app uses them as traps so you practice.
- One star for each president
- One star for each colony
- One star for each senator
On the 2008 test this is question 97
If you filed your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 version. Which one is mine?
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
★ 65/20 Also one of the 20 for 65/20 on the 2008 test.
- because there is one star for each state
- because each star represents a state
- because there are 50 states
Video lesson on this topic: Symbols and Holidays
More questions on this topic
- 123What is the name of the national anthem?
- 124The Nation's first motto was "E Pluribus Unum." What does that mean?
- 119What is the capital of the United States?
- 120Where is the Statue of Liberty?
- 121Why does the flag have 13 stripes? ★
Official sources:
- USCIS · 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) ↗ · checked October 6, 2026
The plain explanation is ours; the official answers are USCIS's, word for word.