A revolution is a forceful change in political power within a short period. It occurs when people revolt against the authority in power to change the constitution or modify the existing one. Revolution has different characteristics, and each of them has a role to play. One of the characteristics is that revolution is comprised of lower classes in the society. The common people feel dissatisfied by the government in place and revolt.

The revolution may be due to poor working conditions, denial of personal freedom or poor performance of the economy. The role of lower class people in a revolution, is that when people have no bread to eat and have no voting rights, they get mad about the government, and revolt. A good example is the French Revolution that took place between 1789 and 1799. The revolution overthrew the monarchy, and established a republic.

Revolutions are liberal. The revolting group of people comprises of liberal or democratic minds that rise against conservatism. People prefer a democratic government over a monarchy. The French revolution is a classic example where a monarchy was replaced by a democratic government. The role of liberal minds in a revolution is to replace one form of government with a better one.

If the revolution was not liberal, it would maintain the status quo. Another characteristic is that revolution is met with government resistance. The conservative government will try to suppress the revolution. The resistance to change is crucial since it fans the flames of revolution. In the French Revolution, the monarchy tried to fight back, but it would not extinguish the revolution. Finally, a revolution involves murder of previous government officials. The murder is intended to end the poor leadership, and ensure the leaders will never rule again. In the French Revolution, King Loius XVI was beheaded.