Final answer:
Raising the minimum wage could lead to increased business costs and decreased demand for low-skilled workers, potentially resulting in higher unemployment rates, unlike other policies aimed at reducing unemployment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government policy that would fail to lower the unemployment rate is likely to be b. raise the minimum wage.
Raising the minimum wage can lead to higher operating costs for businesses, particularly small businesses with limited budgets. As a result, they may choose to hire fewer employees to maintain profitability. Additionally, in some cases, higher wages could also result in increased investment in automation, further reducing the demand for workers. In contrast, policies such as establishing right-to-work laws, employment agencies, worker training programs, and reduction in unemployment benefits are generally aimed at reducing unemployment by either making labor markets more flexible or improving the employability of workers.
By potentially increasing business expenses and discouraging the hiring of low-skilled workers, raising the minimum wage can inadvertently contribute to higher unemployment levels, particularly among younger or less experienced members of the workforce. This illustrates the complex relationship between government regulation and labor market outcomes. Thus, while well-intentioned, such a policy might not achieve its intended goal of lowering unemployment.