> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/reference/status-lifecycle-reference.md).

# Status Lifecycle Reference

State items progress through a multi-status lifecycle that tracks their governance participation from initial extraction through to terminal states.

## Lifecycle Phases

| Phase         | Governance Participation                   | Characteristics                                        |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Formation** | Visible, not yet governing                 | Identified but not confirmed                           |
| **Active**    | Full governance participation              | Triggers conflicts, satisfies gates, subject to policy |
| **Blocked**   | Governance participation with restrictions | Conflict or other issue requires resolution            |
| **Terminal**  | Preserved, no longer governing             | Replaced, withdrawn, expired, or archived              |

{% hint style="info" %}
**"Preserved"** means the item is no longer governing but remains in the audit trail. It can be viewed through the Why Panel and appears in historical snapshots.
{% endhint %}