Why are there 50 stars on the American flag?

The American flag features 50 stars, with each star representing one of the 50 states in the United States. This design symbolizes the unity of the states as part of the nation. The stars are arranged in nine rows of alternating five and six stars, which encapsulates the historical significance of statehood and the growth of the nation over time.

Each of the other options does not accurately reflect the symbolism of the stars on the flag. For instance, the notion that each star represents a territory is misleading, as the stars specifically denote states rather than territories. Additionally, linking the stars to the number of presidents is incorrect, as there have been fewer than 50 presidents throughout U.S. history. Likewise, claiming that each star signifies a year of existence is also inaccurate, as the number of stars has changed over time, corresponding to the admission of new states into the Union, rather than a direct correlation with years.