NB: FAQs currently out of date. If you have any questions, it's best just to ask until the FAQs are updated.

New to Mock Parliament? This topic should answer some of your basic questions. If you have any further questions, you can try looking for the answers in the more in-depth FAQs in this forum. Alternatively, you can PM the Admin with any questions you might have about the simulation.

What is Mock Parliament?
Mock Parliament is an internet based political simulation. It revolves around the fictional country of Ostentia, and the members of this forum take part in the government of the country.

Sounds interesting. How can I take part?
By joining the forum, you are automatically "elected" as an MP in the House of Commons, and can take part in votes, propose laws and question government ministers. For more detailed information about how this works, see the House of Commons FAQ.

Ok, so I'm an MP. How do I become part of the government?
There are two ways to become a government minister. The first is to win an election and become the Prime Minister. The second way is to have the current Prime Minister invite you to become a member of his government. For this to happen, you usually have to join the Prime Minister's party. For information about how the government works, see the Government FAQ.

Political parties? How do I join one, and can I start my own?
Information about Ostentia's political parties can be found in the various Press Offices, sub-forums of the General Politics forum. If you want to join one, you should contact their leader, either by using the personal messenger system, or by posting in their manifesto topic. You can also create your own political party. If you do, you should post your manifesto in the general politics forum, so people know about your party. Once you've posted a manifesto in General Politics you'll be given a press office, which your manifesto will be moved to.

What do the opinion polls do?
The opinion polls show how well the country is being run. The "National Issues" section shows what areas the public think are good, and what areas need improving. The "Government Issues" section shows how well the current government is doing. These polls are affected by acts of parliament, official government announcements and news stories. For more information, see the Opinion Polls FAQ.

How do the elections work?
An election is usually held regular monthly intervals. Parliament will be dissolved a few days before the election, and all members will have the chance to either stand for election or publicly declare their support for another candidate. Elections themselves last for 48 hours, and each member will have the chance to vote for one candidate. At the end, the candidate with the most votes is invited to become the Prime Minister, and parliament opens a few days later. More detailed information about electon rules is available here, in the general politics forum.

How does law making work?
It's a bit of a complicated process, so I can't really summarise it here. See the House of Commons FAQ.

How does the Government control spending on services?
There is a system set in place where the government can directly control how much it spends on individual policy areas. For more information, see the Funding and Taxes FAQ.

Is there a list of Acts of Parliament?
Yes, it is called the Statute Book and is in the National Factfiles sub-forum. You can also view a more easily navigable version in The Mock Parliament Wiki.

Two acts contradict each other! Which one is right?
If two laws contradict each other, then the one which was passed most recently applies.

Can a government declare war?
No.

Can a government ban democracy?
No.

Well, I hope that helps. If your questions are still unanswered, then take a look at the other FAQs or send the Admin a PM. :)