The U.S. presidential flag always represents an institution and not a specific person whereas in a monarchy, a royal standard symbolizes personal hereditary rights. The U.S. Constitution gives an individual responsibility and rights only for so long as they serve as president.

Although separate flags to designate the commander in chief of the Navy and of the Army had existed during the Revolutionary War, they were not revived in modern times until 1882 and 1896 respectively. Interestingly, a common civilian and military flag for the president of the United States was not adopted until 1916.

The first president to travel with small versions of that flag of the United States mounted on an automobile was President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. In 1945 the presidential flag was altered to show the stylized coat of arms of the United States surrounded by a circle of white stars equal to those on the U.S. flag.

Presented here are examples of most of the U.S. Presidential office and automobile flags that have been used throughout history.