The Tea Party is a political movement that seeks to influence both elections and legislation. Even though it has close ties to the Republican Party, the Tea Party comes from a long line of political movements that exist outside the regular two-party system. In the twentieth century, the Progressive movement sought to regulate the growing industrial economy and increase citizen participation in the government, the civil rights movement sought equal protection under the law for black Americans, and the conservative movement sought to reduce the size of the federal government and promote a more aggressive foreign policy against communism. These three political movements from the twentieth century had a lasting impact on all Americans. The Progressive movement led to the building of a larger national government that regulates the market economy. The civil rights movement fostered a society that treats all citizens, regardless of race, equally under the law. The conservative movement strengthened the belief that military spending and lower taxes are crucial to a strong nation and economy. Political movements have had a great impact on the course of American politics. One will miss important changes going on in the political life of the nation, changes that could become permanent, if one ignores the Tea Party movement. In this study, participants will seek to understand the four principle beliefs of the Tea Party movement and reflect on their own position.