What items on the great seal are clusters of thirteen to represent the original states?

clouds in the sky
feathers on the eagle's wing
branches of fruit
arrows
olives on the branch
stripes on the shield
layers of the pyramid
stars
choose all that apply

1 answer

The items on the Great Seal of the United States that are clusters of thirteen to represent the original thirteen states are:

  • Feathers on the eagle's wing (there are 13 feathers on the eagle's right wing)
  • Branches of fruit (the olive branch has 13 olives)
  • Arrows (there are 13 arrows clutched by the eagle)
  • Stripes on the shield (the shield has 13 stripes)

The other items listed, such as clouds, layers of the pyramid, and stars, do not represent groups of thirteen. The stars represent the states, but their number has changed over time and does not specifically represent the original thirteen.

Therefore, the correct items that apply are:

  • Feathers on the eagle's wing
  • Branches of fruit
  • Arrows
  • Stripes on the shield