They allow students and participants to experience the processes of debate, deliberation, and lawmaking typical of real parliaments and legislatures.
In Australia, the YMCA run Youth Parliament programs in each state and territory as part of their community outreach.
Oxfam sponsors an annual "International Youth Parliament" to encourage youth-led social reform worldwide.
Participants in this model UN-style event debate issues and propose solutions on topics like poverty, human rights, and sustainability.
Led by activist Nellie McClung, this mock parliament helped spark national debate on women's suffrage issues.