Military governments, also known as junta, regime, or dictatorship, are characterized by the exercise of power by the armed forces. A military regime is established when soldiers and high ranking officials create a governing body and take control of a country's political, economic, and social systems. Synonyms for the term "military government" include martial law, authoritarianism, autocracy, and despotism. These terms reflect a style of governance that prioritizes the needs of the military over those of citizens. Military governments are often criticized for the human rights abuses and suppression of democratic freedoms, leading to political instability and economic decline.