Military rule

Definition

Military rule is a form of governance where the military controls the state, often following a coup d'état that overthrows a civilian government. In this scenario, the military typically suspends or abrogates the constitution and imposes martial law, limiting civil liberties and political freedoms. The relationship between military rulers and civilian authorities can greatly influence executive-legislative relations, as the military often seeks to consolidate power and may dismiss or undermine legislative bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Military rule often emerges during periods of political instability, economic crisis, or widespread social unrest when military leaders believe that civilian governments cannot maintain order.
2. During military rule, the military typically exerts control over key aspects of governance, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and even the media, undermining democratic institutions.
3. Legislative bodies may be dissolved or rendered ineffective under military rule, leading to a concentration of power in the executive branch controlled by military leaders.
4. In many cases, military regimes justify their actions as necessary for national security and stability, but they often lead to human rights violations and repression of dissent.
5. Countries under military rule may experience a cycle of coup attempts and counter-coups, resulting in ongoing political instability and violence.

Review Questions

• How does military rule impact the relationship between the executive branch and legislative bodies?
  • Military rule significantly alters the dynamics between the executive and legislative branches as it often leads to the dissolution or marginalization of legislatures. The military leaders prioritize consolidating power in the executive branch while sidelining any legislative authority that could challenge their decisions. This shift results in weakened checks and balances, ultimately affecting governance and accountability within the state.
• Evaluate the consequences of military rule on civil liberties and political freedoms within affected countries.
  • The imposition of military rule typically results in severe restrictions on civil liberties and political freedoms. Martial law is often declared, leading to curfews, censorship of media, and limitations on freedom of speech and assembly. These repressive measures are justified by military leaders as necessary for maintaining order but can lead to widespread human rights abuses and foster a culture of fear among citizens.
• Assess how military rule can lead to long-term changes in a country's political landscape and public perception of authority.
  • Military rule can profoundly reshape a country's political landscape by establishing precedents for future governance structures. The normalization of authoritarian practices can erode public trust in democratic institutions and foster cynicism towards civilian leadership. Over time, citizens may come to accept military intervention as a legitimate response to governmental failures, potentially paving the way for ongoing cycles of military involvement in politics and complicating future democratic transitions.

Related terms

Coup d'état: A sudden overthrow of a government, often executed by a small group that typically includes military leaders or political elites.

Martial law: A temporary imposition of military control over normal civilian functions, usually enacted in times of emergency or unrest.

Authoritarianism: A governing system characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, where individual freedoms are subordinate to the authority of the state.