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Coup d'état

Definition

A coup d'état is an illegal and often violent seizure of power from a government, typically carried out by military forces or other internal factions within a country.

Analogy

Think of a coup d'état like someone breaking into your house while you're away and forcefully taking over your home without any legal authority.

Related terms

Regime Change: Refers to any significant alteration in political leadership or governing system within a country.

Junta: Describes a group of military officers who seize control after overthrowing an existing government.

Dictatorship: Represents an authoritarian form of government where one person holds absolute power and authority.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.