What does the presence of 50 stars on the U.S. flag signify?

The presence of 50 stars on the U.S. flag signifies the 50 states that make up the United States. Each star represents one state, symbolizing equality among the states in the union. This design was established to reflect the country's growth, as the flag has evolved over time to incorporate new states—starting with 13 stripes for the original colonies and adding stars as each new state was admitted. This straightforward representation reinforces the idea of unity and the federal structure of government, where power is shared between the national and state levels. The 50 stars together create a visual symbol of the collective identity of the entire nation, emphasizing the importance of each state's role in the whole.