What is the significance of the 50 stars on the American flag?

The 50 stars on the American flag symbolize the 50 states that make up the United States of America. Each star represents one state, signifying unity and the federal structure of the country, where each state has its own government while also being part of a larger national government. As the nation expanded and new states joined the union, the number of stars on the flag has changed over time, with the current design being in place since 1960. This is a powerful representation of American democracy, emphasizing the importance of each state in contributing to the overall identity and governance of the nation.