GOV-08 · Policy retrospective

Evaluate whether a real, already-enacted policy achieved what it set out to do, using the policy's own stated goals and real outcome evidence.

One real, already-enacted policy old enough to have outcome data (a statute, program, or regulation with at least a few years of implementation). The policy's own stated goals, from its text or the legislative/agency record at the time of enactment. Real, publicly available outcome data relevant to those goals.

Judging the policy against goals it never actually claimed to have. Cherry-picking outcome data that supports a predetermined verdict. Ignoring confounding factors (other policies, external events) that also affected the outcome.

Original stated goals with a source; outcome data assessment against those specific goals; an honest accounting of confounding factors the data cannot rule out; a final verdict — met, partially met, or not met — with the reasoning shown.

CT: retrospective judgment against stated goals, not vibes. CR: goals and outcome data both traceable to real sources. CO: peer checks the verdict against the same evidence. CM: retrospective write-up. CZ: whoever the policy's original goals were meant to serve.

Government or economics teacher reviews the confounding-factors section for completeness. Standing instruction: reject a verdict that ignores an obvious confounder. School-supervised.

R1: one policy, one retrospective question. R2: goals and data traceable to real sources. R3: verdict is evidence-based, not asserted first. R4: confounding factors genuinely engaged. R5: retrospective readable by someone deciding whether to renew or repeal the policy.

(a) Judging a jobs policy by a goal ("reduce inflation") it never actually claimed. (b) A verdict that ignores an external event (a recession, a separate law) that also drove the outcome.

• Week 1: Policy selected; original stated goals located and confirmed real.
• Week 2–3: Outcome data gathered; confounding factors identified.
• Week 4: Final verdict written; mentor review of the confounding-factors section.

Lane A immediately, and a natural finale for this track. No verified credit claim.