Why does the flag have 50 stars?

The flag has 50 stars because each star represents a state in the United States. This design reflects the union of the states, with each star symbolizing one of the 50 states that make up the country. The current configuration of the flag was adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state, incorporating all the states into a singular representation on the national flag. This system of using stars to represent states showcases the federal nature of the U.S. government, where states have their own governments and rights, but are united under a national framework. Each star's significance is also a reminder of the history and diversity of the states within the Union.