Government overthrow refers to the act of removing a governing body or authority from power, often through force or rebellion. This can occur in various forms, such as a coup d'état, revolution, or insurrection. The motivations behind such actions typically include political oppression, economic hardship, or social injustice, leading groups or individuals to seek change. Historically, government overthrows have resulted in significant shifts in power and governance. Examples include the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution, where citizens sought to replace existing regimes with new political systems. These events can lead to both positive reforms and negative consequences, such as instability or violence.