A military dictatorship is a form of government where the military controls the political power, often after taking control through a coup d'état. In this system, military leaders may suspend the constitution, dissolve political parties, and limit civil liberties. The government is typically characterized by authoritarian rule, where dissent is suppressed, and political opposition is often met with force. These regimes can arise in times of political instability or crisis, as the military may claim to restore order and security. Examples of military dictatorships include those in countries like Chile under Augusto Pinochet and Argentina during the Dirty War.