A military dictatorship is a form of government where the military controls the political power, often after taking control through a coup. In this system, military leaders make decisions without the consent of the civilian population, and political freedoms are usually restricted. Under a military dictatorship, civil rights may be limited, and opposition to the regime is often met with force. This type of government can arise in times of crisis, such as during wars or political instability, and is characterized by a lack of democratic processes, such as free elections and independent judiciary systems.