How many stripes are on the American flag, and what do they represent?

The correct answer is that the American flag has 13 stripes, which represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from British rule. These colonies are foundational to the nation's history, and the stripes serve as a tribute to their role in the formation of the United States. The stripes alternate between red and white, symbolizing valor and purity, respectively.

The total number of states in the U.S. has increased since those colonies were formed, leading to the addition of stars on the flag to represent the current number of states. However, the stripes remain a constant reminder of the country's origins, which is why they are associated specifically with the original 13 colonies. The option about the stars representing the colonies or the number of stripes corresponding to the number of states misrepresents the symbolism intended by the flag's design.