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). Discuss two recent examples of one branch of government possibly violating the separation of powers doctrine. Also, discuss how the Constitution protects individual rights. Think also about whether or not the Constitution protects group rights, whether it should, or whether it shouldn't. Again, provide a recent real-world example of these Constitutional protections being applied here in the U.S.