a coup (coup d'état - literally a "blow of state") is the unconstitutional and forcible replacement of a government by another government without a war or causing a major restructuring of the state. The assassination of a president to form a new presidency, or the military take-over of a state may be extraordinary, but the state and the lives of its citizens may be changed very little. Coups are very difficult in a democracy, and even more difficult in a federation.