Magnitude Rating System
Understanding impact on society, one article at a time
The Concept
Just as earthquakes create shockwaves that radiate through the earth, important political news creates shockwaves that radiate through society. Our Magnitude Rating System helps you understand the scale and scope of impact before you read an article.
Every article at Shockwave.US receives a magnitude rating based on its potential impact on American democracy, institutions, and society. This isn't about sensationalism—it's about honestly assessing consequence.
The Scale
Microquakes
Impact: Minimal. Local interest, routine announcements
Examples: Minor policy updates, local government meetings, standard procedural announcements
Minor Quakes
Impact: Felt locally, rarely causes damage
Examples: Congressional hearings, minor scandals, routine investigative pieces
Moderate Quakes
Impact: Strong ground motion, damage to weak structures (public trust)
Examples: Major policy rollouts, significant corruption revelations, national debates
Major Quakes
Impact: Wide-scale damage to institutions and public confidence
Examples: Election integrity revelations, massive data breaches, constitutional crises
Mega Quakes
Impact: Total devastation to the landscape of American democracy
Examples: Coup attempts, constitutional violations, existential threats to democracy
Damage Assessment
Beyond magnitude, we assess damage across three critical dimensions:
- Political Damage: Impact on democratic institutions, voting integrity, and governmental accountability
- Economic Damage: Effects on markets, inflation, debt, and financial stability
- Social Damage: Erosion of civic trust, social cohesion, and cultural unity
Recoverability
We evaluate whether the damage can be repaired:
- Full Recovery: Temporary issue, normal operation will resume
- Partial Recovery: Lasting effects, but core functions remain
- Permanent Scars: New normal established, fundamental changes required
- No Recovery: Complete institutional collapse, democracy at risk
How We Rate
Our editorial team evaluates articles using:
- • Historical precedent analysis
- • Expert consultation
- • Impact modeling and trend analysis
- • Scope, duration, depth, and irreversibility assessment
Explore Articles by Magnitude
See which stories are shaking America to its foundations
Visit the Epicenter