Why is impact assessment necessary in a major policy decision?

Correct answer: So affected groups, costs, risks, and likely outcomes can be understood beforehand

Direct answer: A is correct. Impact assessment asks what a proposed policy is likely to do before it is fully implemented. It can help decision makers identify which groups may benefit or suffer, estimate costs, anticipate risks, compare alternatives, and plan safeguards or support. The assessment is not a prediction that can never be wrong; it is a reasoned way to improve the quality of information available for a decision. Later monitoring may still be needed because actual effects can differ from estimates. B is wrong because assessment should support, not eliminate, legislative accountability. C is wrong because proper records are needed for transparency and review. D is wrong because courts are not election campaign organisations. Memory cue: assess before acting—who is affected, what it costs, and what may happen.