Coup d'état

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/coup-dtat

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the definition origin?French term 'coup d'état' literally means 'stroke of state'
2. What is the estimated attempts (1950-2010)?457 coup attempts worldwide
3. How is a coup different from a revolution?A coup is led by a few elite people and relies on surprise, while a revolution involves many people and broad public support.
4. What are some types of coups mentioned?There can be a palace coup where a ruling family changes leaders, a military coup led by the armed forces, or a self‑coup where a leader uses illegal means to stay in power.

Elite: A select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society.
Apparatus: The machinery or equipment needed for a particular activity or purpose; often refers to state machinery.
Authoritarianism: A form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, often suppressing opposition.