What are cap drivers?
Cap drivers are governance-critical signals that can constrain the overall stage posture, even when most other signals are positive.
Why cap drivers exist
In governance, not all signals carry equal consequence. Some checks represent foundational controls; if they fail, the stage should not be described as Strong or Moderate, regardless of overall signal coverage.
How they influence posture
PACT evaluates all signals to produce a weighted posture. Cap drivers are then applied as constraint rules. If a critical cap driver fails within a domain, posture may be limited (for example, capped to Partial).
Supporting signals vs cap drivers
Supporting signals contribute to overall coverage and confidence. They influence weighted posture but do not independently constrain it. Cap drivers represent structural governance controls.
Cap drivers are not subjective overrides. They are explicit, stage-aware rules. The same inputs will always produce the same constrained posture.