What do the stars on the U.S. flag represent?

The stars on the U.S. flag symbolize the 50 states that make up the union. Each star represents one state, reflecting the unity and sovereignty of each individual state within the federal structure of the United States. When the flag was first adopted, it featured fewer stars, corresponding to the number of states at that time, and has evolved over the years as new states were admitted.

The other options represent significant aspects of American history or governance but do not accurately relate to the symbolism of the stars on the flag. The original thirteen colonies were represented by the stripes on the flag, while national territories and the branches of government do not have a direct representation through the flag's design. The inclusion of the stars specifically highlights the collective identity and equality of each state within the nation.