Why may the government consider costs and benefits before implementing a policy?

Correct answer: To assess whether the expected public benefit justifies the expenditure and use of resources

The correct answer is A: governments have limited money, time, staff, and other resources, so they should consider whether a policy’s expected public benefits justify the resources it will require. A careful comparison can reveal likely advantages, costs, risks, and effects on different groups. This does not mean that every important public decision can be reduced to simple money calculations; fairness, rights, and long-term social effects also matter. Option B is wrong because immediate popularity is not the only measure of a sound policy. Option C is wrong because cost-benefit thinking should consider, not ignore, long-term effects. Option D is wrong because analysis does not remove Parliament or other institutions from their lawful roles. Memory cue: good policy weighs resources, public benefit, rights, and consequences.