What became the American flag went through several evolutions from this time onward. From the beginning, license was taken with the number of stripes. Theoretically, from then on one star and one stripe were to to be added for each new state. However, nine and 13 stripes continued in symbolic use simultaneously with a number corresponding to the number of states in the Union. Eventually, it was found to be easier, cheaper, and more practical to keep the flag up to date by only adding stars.
Modern usage refers to the stars and stripes.
But officially, the stripes were named ahead of the stars in the original Flag Resolution of 1777, the second of 1795, and the Final Act to Establish the Flag in 1818. Verbally and visually, the stripes prevailed for years. It was used for the first national flag of 20 stars flown over the Capitol on April 13. The 20 stars were grouped to form one large star. Other flags have used the rattlesnake and the eagle, sometimes together.