Question 97 of 100 · 2008 test
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
This question is from the 2008 test, which applies if you filed Form N-400 before Oct 20, 2025; later filers take the 2025 test of 128 questions - check your version on the official USCIS test-updates page.
Acceptable answers
- because there is one star for each state
- because each star represents a state
- because there are 50 states
Explanation
The flag has 50 stars, one for each state.
Why it matters
Stars have been added as new states joined, growing from 13 to 50.
The 65/20 special consideration
Question 97 is one of the 20 questions in the 65/20 set. An applicant who is 65 or older and has been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more studies only those 20 questions instead of all 100, and this is one of them.
Answers that get mixed up with this one
These are the wrong options the practice test puts beside this question. Each one is the correct answer to a different question, which is what makes it tempting.
- July 4answers Question 99: When do we celebrate Independence Day?
- a change (to the Constitution)answers Question 4: What is an amendment?
- capitalist economyanswers Question 11: What is the economic system in the United States?
More American Symbols questions
Questions the officer draws from the same part of the test. Studying them together is what keeps their answers apart.