Why does the U.S. flag have 13 stripes?

The U.S. flag features 13 stripes to represent the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. These colonies—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—formed the foundation of the United States. The stripes, alternating red and white, symbolize the unity and resilience of these colonies as they came together to form a new nation. This design element serves as a historical reminder of the nation's beginnings and the shared heritage of its founding states.

In contrast, the other options reference aspects of American governance or history that do not directly relate to the flag's design. The amendments are not represented by the stripes, nor does the flag pay homage solely to the first president or denote the number of federal states as it has evolved since its adoption.