For much of 2011 and 2012, public dissatisfaction with Congress rose to all time highs, with 70 to 80% expressing disapproval with how Congress does its job. Most of the commentators note that Americans are fed up with Washington "grid-lock" which makes government apparently unable to address important problems. Other observers believe that the national government is acting according to its design, based on the separation of powers and checks and balances.

In at least 200 to 250 words, examine how the U.S. Constitution implements separation of powers and checks and balances. In brief describe why the constitutional framers based the new government on these ideas. Assess how separation of powers and checks and balances are working out in practice these days, justifying your evaluation with persuasive reasoning and illustrations.