In 2014, "The New Founding Fathers of America" have been voted into office following economic collapse, and eventually sanction an annual national civic tradition called "The Purge", the first of which takes place in 2017. The Purge occurs for 12 hours, March 21–22 7 p.m. – 7 a.m., the next day, during which all crime is legal and all police, fire, and medical emergency services remain unavailable. Restrictions prohibit government officials "ranking 10" from being disturbed, as well as the use of all weapons above Class 4 (explosive devices such as grenades, rocket launchers, and bazookas). The Purge has resulted in unemployment rates plummeting to 1%, low crime, and a strong economy.