A "junta" is a political term that refers to a group of military leaders who take control of a government, often after a coup d'état. These leaders typically suspend the constitution and impose martial law, ruling without the consent of the populace. Juntas are often formed in times of political instability or crisis. Historically, juntas have been prominent in various countries, particularly in Latin America, where they have overthrown democratically elected governments. Examples include the Chilean junta that ruled after the 1973 coup against Salvador Allende and the Argentine junta during the late 1970s and early 1980s.