The main features of a coup d'état include the sudden overthrow of a government, often executed by a small group with military or political backing. Typically, a coup aims to depose the existing leadership, bypassing legal methods of succession. Key characteristics include a rapid and coordinated action, often involving the use of force or coercion. Coup leaders usually seek to consolidate power quickly, establishing control over essential state institutions, such as the military, media, and government agencies. The aftermath can lead to significant political instability, reshaping national governance and civil order.