VIDEO LINK: http://www.pbs.org/tpt/constitution-usa-peter-sagal/watch/built-to-last/

Prepare: Prior to writing your initial post, read Chapters 1 and 2 of American Government. In addition, watch the video provided on the U.S. Constitution, Episode IV - Built to Last.

Write: In your initial post, explain why the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances are important for our democracy. Provide recent, real-world examples of the separation of powers and checks/balances in action (one example each). Also, discuss how the Constitution protects individual and group rights. Again, provide a recent real-world example of these Constitutional protections being applied here in the U.S. You must fully respond to all parts of the prompt and write your response in your own words.