What is a defining characteristic of a provisional government?

• A. It is permanent and widely recognized
• B. It operates under a constitution of law for decades
• C. It is temporary and lacks long-term legitimacy
• D. It replaces the existing government permanently

Answer: (C)

A provisional government is a temporary authority put in place to govern during a transition until a new, permanent government is formed. Its defining feature is that it isn’t meant to last and it often lacks long-term legitimacy because it arises during crisis or upheaval and may rely on an interim mandate. Its job is to keep order and manage essential functions while organizing the steps needed for a legitimate government to take over, such as elections or a new constitution. The other descriptions describe lasting, legally established regimes or permanent regime changes, which don’t fit the idea of a temporary, transitional authority.