Test your contitutional knowledge...

Helen Forsey, daughter of constitutional expert Eugene Forsey pulled together a very useful list of the top 10 constitutional "fairy tales" almost a year ago but it's worth repeating. The article doesn't touch on how politicians are elected, just what their Constitutional obligations are once they form a Parliament.

I've listed the myths. Check the story for the answers. Test your constitutional knowledge.

Eugene Forsey Takes On "Constitutional Fairy Tales"

Fairy tale #1: that the possibility of the House of Commons voting non-confidence and defeating the government creates a "constitutional crisis."

Fairy tale #2: that if the Opposition actively opposes the government's program, Parliament is "not working," is "dysfunctional."

Fairy tale #3: that if a minority government meets active opposition in the House of Commons, with the possibility of being defeated in a confidence vote, then the nation's business is at a standstill and a new election is necessary.

Fairy tale #4: that if a government is defeated in the House of Commons on a matter of confidence, this automatically means a fresh election.

Fairy tale #5: that such a change of government by majority vote in a duly elected Parliament is undemocratic, a "seizure of power" or a "coup."

Fairy Tale #6: that the imminent prospect of a non-confidence vote justifies the shutting down of Parliament through prorogation or dissolution.

Fairy tale #7: that if a non-confidence vote is imminent, the Governor General should grant a Prime Minister's request to prorogue Parliament or dissolve it and hold an election.

Fairy tale #8: that the passage of three and a half calendar months since the October 2008 election means that a fresh election call now would be justified.

Fairy tale #9: that minority governments cannot provide stability or good government, that "stability" and "efficiency" are the highest political values, and that therefore that the purpose of elections is to produce a majority government.

Fairy tale #10: that a coalition cannot legitimately govern unless the parties explicitly campaigned as a coalition in the preceding election.