Write an essay of at least 1,500 words that explains the following: (1) reasons why the colonies decided to declare their independence from England;

(2) reasons why the states decided to replace the Articles of Confederation with the U.S. Constitution;

(3) different functions performed by each branch of government, and the effect of checks and balances on those functions;

(4) how separation of powers has changed from the arrangement envisioned by the Framers of the Constitution;

(5) how the Bill of Rights protects you in regard to religion, expression, and criminal prosecution. For each item, you must cite examples and, where available, relevant Supreme Court decisions.