State Flags

Symbolism of State Flags

In the United States, our system of federalism dictates that the legislative powers are split between federal, state, and local governments. The federal government is the most powerful, followed by the state, followed by local. Each level of government is responsible for legislation which addresses the increasingly more specific needs and concerns of their constituents. In keeping with this system, the US Flag Code dictates the American Flag is always displayed in the most prominent position.

In outdoor presentations, the American Flag is always the largest and highest flag. State flag must be displayed beneath the American Flag. If the POW-MIA flag is on display, the state flag must be displayed beneath that as well.

In indoor presentations, the protocol is for the American Flag to be in the most prominent position as well. For example, when displayed on a stage, the American Flag is displayed to the right of the speaker, with the state flag and any other flags displayed to the left of the speaker. These measures are symbolic of the idea that our respect and loyalty is to our country first, before state and local associations.

It is the responsibility of each state's representatives to create a unique flag whose colors, symbols, and designs represent the people, history, animals, resources, and nature of that particular state. Interestingly, many of the state flags in use today remain relatively unchanged since they were first introduced and trace back to the American Revolution, while other flags are more recently developed to represent the modern-day features of the state. Those states who choose older flags are paying homage to the unique history of the state.

The most popular color used amongst the US State flags is dark blue, which ties-into the canton of the US Flag which features 50 stars. 46 of the fifty state flags include the color blue. The only state flags that do not include blue are Alabama, California, Washington DC., Maryland, & New Mexico.

The Most Attractive State Flag Designs

Periodically, the North American Vexillological Association conducts a poll of its members and of the public to determine the most attractive flags amongst the US State and the Canadian Province Flags. Respondents are asked to rank flags based solely upon visual attractiveness and to exclude any political, historical, or geographical biases.) The most recent poll conducted in 2001 garnered over 29,000 responses. The results indicated that respondents preferred simple, distinctive flags. Flag experts indicated that bold, simple designs which are easily recognizable as that state's flag yet distinctive were the most appealing flags. The top 10 US Flags by rating are listed below:

1. New Mexico
2. Texas
3. Maryland
4. Alaska
5. Arizona
6. Washington, D.C.
7. South Carolina
8. Hawaii
9. California
10. Tennessee

The results also indicated that designs which featured elaborate designs including crests or coat of Arms and literally spelled out the states names were amongst the least attractive. The survey indicated that the top ten most unattractive US State flags are as follows:

1. Georgia
2. Nebraska
3. Montana
4. Kansas
5. South Dakota
6. Minnesota
7. Kentucky
8. Wisconsin
9. Idaho
10. New Hampshire

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