Why does the U.S. flag have 50 stars?

The 50 stars on the U.S. flag specifically represent the 50 states in the Union. Each star symbolizes one state, reflecting the federal structure of the United States where each state retains its own identity and governance while being part of a larger national framework. The addition of stars over time corresponds to the admission of new states, with the current configuration established after Hawaii became the last state to join the Union in 1959. This configuration highlights the unity of the states while celebrating their individual contributions to the nation.