Question 121 of 128 Symbols and Holidays ★ 65/20 question
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Answers USCIS accepts
- (Because there were) 13 original colonies
- (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies
Give any one of these answers at your interview.
The flag has 13 stripes because there were 13 original colonies.
What it means
The 13 red and white stripes represent the 13 British colonies that declared independence in 1776 and became the first states.
This is a 65/20 question.
Memory tip: 13 stripes = 13 colonies.
Quiz yourself
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
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Official source: USCIS M-1778 (09/25), 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version). Last checked: .