  An extension of the Lorentz group to include generators $\Gamma^\mu$ carrying
a space-time index is demonstrated to explicitly construct the Minkowski metric
within the internal group space as a consequence of the non-vanishing
commutation relations between those generators. For fundamental representation
states, this group forms a subgroup of GL(4) consistent with Dirac fermions.
Since the representations inherently pair particles with anti-particles, the
generators define a minimal group for transforming fields that fundamentally
satisfy microscopic causality, thus treating causality as a crucial physical
property.
  For fermions transforming under GL(4), beyond three spin matrices and
$\Gamma^0$ there are 12 additional hermitian generators. It is demonstrated
that a closed invariance subgroup of SU(2)$\times$U(1) for fermions of defined
mass can be constructed. However, any closed subgroup of SU(3) transformations
necessarily mix the mass-SU(2) eigenstates. The first part of exploration of
group representations presented in this paper examines associating global
invariance to these additional generators. The extended group requires that any
charges arising due to establishment of internal local symmetries necessarily
exhibit geometric equivalence under curvilinear transformations on the
parameterization of space-time translations. Furthermore, a formulation for
mixing the degenerate massless fermions (which explicitly cannot manifest SU(3)
symmetry or charges) while maintaining Lorentz invariance, is presented.
