Which term describes a temporary military government exercising the functions of civil administration in the absence of a legitimate civil authority?

• A. Temporary Military Authority
• B. Temporary Military Government
• C. Temporary military government exercising the functions of civil administration in absence of a legitimate civil authority
• D. Transitional Military Authority

Answer: (C)

When civilian authority is missing or lacks legitimacy, the military may step in to govern and run essential civil affairs to keep order and services functioning. The best phrasing of this situation explicitly combines all parts: a temporary military government exercising the functions of civil administration in absence of a legitimate civil authority. This exact description is why it fits best, because it clearly states the interim, military-led governance, the responsibility for running civilian administration, and the absence of a legitimate civilian authority.

Shorter terms miss one or more of these elements, such as omitting the explicit civil-administration role or implying a different, transitional purpose rather than an interim regime during absence or illegitimacy.