The stars represent the states in the union, so given the end of the era of "empire building" by most nations the likelihood of the United States acquiring additional territory is slim. There has been past discussion about Puerto Rico becoming the fifty-first state. read more
At this time,(2017) there are fifty(50) stars, one for each state of the Union. If another state is added, another star will be added to the flag, officially on the 4th of July following that state’s addition to the Union. This gives some time to decide how the stars are to be arranged in the blue field of the American flag. read more
It is the only flag in American history to have flown over the White House for more than five administrations." On July 4, 2007, the fifty-star flag will become America's longest serving flag. References Flag: An American Biography by Marc Leepson 2004. read more