A puppet government is a political system where a government appears to be independent but is actually controlled by an external power. This external influence often manipulates the government to serve its own interests, undermining the sovereignty of the nation. Puppet governments can arise in various contexts, such as during military occupations or through political pressure. These governments may have local leaders and institutions, but their decisions are heavily influenced or dictated by the controlling power. Historical examples include the Vichy regime in France during World War II and the Republic of Vietnam under U.S. influence.