Short answer: Because there are 50 states
This is question 122 of the 2025 civics test. The 2008 test asks it as question 97. The officer asks it out loud, and you say one answer.
2025 test, question 122 · Symbols and holidays
There is one star for each of the 50 states.
Each star stands for one state. A new star is added when a new state joins.
There are 50 states. Hawaii was the last state to join, in 1959. The 50-star flag came in 1960.
2008 test, question 97: Why does the flag have 50 stars?
2008 test, question 97 · Geography, symbols and holidays
There is one star for each of the 50 states.
Each star stands for one state.
There are 50 states. The last two, Alaska and Hawaii, joined in 1959.
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Play level 13, Symbols and holidays: 10 questions like this one.
Play this levelThe official answers (2025 test): (Because there is) one star for each state; (Because) each star represents a state; (Because there are) 50 states.
The official answers (2008 test): because there is one star for each state; because each star represents a state; because there are 50 states.
No. The officer wants one answer, unless the question asks for two or more. Pick the answer that is easiest for you to say, for example: Because there are 50 states.
No. The civics test is oral: the officer asks each question, and you say the answer. In Civics Rush you tap an answer to learn fast. Then say each answer out loud to practice for the interview.
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