Of Coups and the Constitution

38 Pages Posted: 1 Jul 2016 Last revised: 7 Feb 2017

Date Written: August 1, 2016

Abstract

Military coups d'etat are a relatively common means of government turnover in many countries, but not in the United States. This paper looks at a number of factors in the United States' Constitution and political culture that make military coups less likely, as well as at some changes in both that may reduce the degree of protection. It also offers some suggestions on how to ensure that America's coup-resistance remains strong.

Keywords: coup d'etat, constitution, military coup, dunlap, knebel

Suggested Citation

Reynolds, Glenn Harlan, Of Coups and the Constitution (August 1, 2016). University of Tennessee Legal Studies Research Paper No. 294, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2802308 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2802308

Glenn Harlan Reynolds (Contact Author)

University of Tennessee College of Law ( email )

1505 West Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996-1810
United States
865-974-6744 (Phone)

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