Junta, << HUN tuh or JUHN tuh, >> is a small group that takes over a government and rules by decree. Most juntas are composed of high-ranking military officers. Such groups are often called military dictatorships.
A junta may seize power to restore order in a country, to make reforms, or to increase the wealth and power of its members. The junta either serves as the government itself or sets up a government that follows its policies. In some juntas, one member takes power as ruler. Most juntas are conservative and repressive. Junta rule occurs most often in countries that have unstable governments. The term junta was once associated primarily with Latin American nations. However, juntas exist in other parts of the world as well.
One example of a junta taking over a country occurred in Egypt in 1952. A military junta seized control of the Egyptian government. One member became prime minister, but the real power lay with junta members. A struggle for power developed between the prime minister and a member of the junta, Gamal Abdel Nasser. Nasser became prime minister in 1954 and later took complete power.
See also Coup d’état.
