The political landscape of South Vietnam shifted dramatically when General Nguyễn Khánh orchestrated a coup d'état, ousting Dương Văn Minh from the presidency. This power move was not merely an internal affair, as the U.S. Embassy was intricately involved in the process, emphasizing the United States' commitment to preventing the spread of communism in the region. The coup came at a time of increasing instability in Vietnam, where government leadership was frequently changing amidst conflicts with both the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. With Minh's removal, Khánh sought to consolidate power and restore what he believed was necessary for the continuity of the anti-communist agenda supported by the U.S. The new regime under Khánh quickly turned to the U.S. for support, leading to the establishment of a new constitution designed to stabilize his administration’s control over the country.

The implementation of this new constitution aimed to legitimize Khánh's rule and demonstrate a semblance of democratic governance, although it was largely seen as a means to facilitate military authority in a time of crisis. The U.S. continued to exert significant influence over South Vietnamese politics, often intertwining domestic affairs with the strategic goal of containing communism in Southeast Asia. This coup was indicative of the broader power struggles within South Vietnam’s political framework, where military coups became a common occurrence, aligning with the turbulent nature of the Vietnam War era as it progressed into more active U.S. military involvement.