Question 121: Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
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 were) 13 original colonies
- (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies
Grandpa explains
Each stripe stands for one of the 13 colonies that broke away from England. The stars are the states.
Careful: these are NOT the answer
These are the common mix-ups. The app uses them as traps so you practice.
- 13 first presidents
- 13 Founding Fathers
- 13 battles for independence
On the 2008 test this is question 96
If you filed your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 version. Which one is mine?
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
- because there were 13 original colonies
- because the stripes represent the original colonies
Video lesson on this topic: Symbols and Holidays
More questions on this topic
- 122Why does the flag have 50 stars?
- 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?
← All 128 questions · The 20 questions for 65/20
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.