A provisional government is a temporary authority set up to manage a country or region during a transition period. This type of government often arises after a major political change, such as a revolution or the collapse of an existing government. Its main purpose is to maintain order and provide basic services until a more permanent government can be established. Provisional governments may be formed by various groups, including political parties, military leaders, or revolutionary movements. They typically organize elections or create a new constitution to establish a stable and legitimate government, as seen in historical examples like the Russian Provisional Government of 1917.