Citizenship Prep

2025 test · Question 121· Symbols65/20 question

Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

Official answers

  • Because there were 13 original colonies
  • Because the stripes represent the original colonies

This is question 121 of 128 on the 2025 civics test, in the “Symbols” part of Symbols and Holidays. In the interview, the officer asks up to 20 questions and you need 12 correct answers to pass. It is one of the questions marked for applicants who qualify for the 65/20 special consideration (65 or older, with at least 20 years as a permanent resident).

The same question is also on the 2008 test, as question 96, with different official answers:

  • because there were 13 original colonies
  • because the stripes represent the original colonies

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