The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania

The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977)

The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania is the supreme law of the nation, and it sets out the fundamental principles, rights, duties, and structures of the government. The constitution governs the country, ensuring the orderly functioning of the state, the protection of citizens' rights, and the promotion of justice and fairness.

It is composed of ten chapters, each with distinct provisions related to governance, the rights of citizens, and the functioning of the government. Below is a breakdown of the chapters:

Chapter breakdown

1. Chapter One: The United Republic, Political Parties, and the People
   1. Part 1: The United Republic and the People.
   2. Part 2: Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.
   3. Part 3: Basic Rights and Duties, which include:
      • Equality of human beings.
      • Equality before the law.
      • The right to life.
      • Right to personal freedom.
      • Right to work.
      • Freedom of expression.
      • Social responsibilities.
2. Chapter Two: The Executive of the United Republic
   • Part 1: The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, his/her duties, and powers.
   • Part 2: The Vice President, his/her duties, and powers.
   • Part 3: The Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and the Government.
3. Chapter Three: The Legislature of the United Republic of Tanzania
   • Covers the members of parliament, constituencies, election of members, procedures, powers, and privileges of parliament.
4. Chapter Four: The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar
   • Discusses the President of Zanzibar, Zanzibar Revolutionary Council, and the House of Representatives of Zanzibar.
5. Chapter Five: The Dispensation of Justice in the United Republic
   • Covers judicial bodies like the High Court of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Judicial Service Commission for Mainland Tanzania, the High Court of Zanzibar, the Court of Appeal of the URT, and the Special Constitutional Court of Tanzania.
6. Chapter Six: The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance
   • Includes the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance and the Public Leaders Ethics Secretariat.
7. Chapter Seven: The Finances of the United Republic of Tanzania
   • Part 1: The contribution and allocation of the revenue of the United Republic of Tanzania.
   • Part 2: The consolidated fund and finances of the United Republic of Tanzania.
8. Chapter Eight: Public Authorities
   • Describes various public authorities in the United Republic of Tanzania.
9. Chapter Nine: Armed Forces
   • Covers the structure, duties, and powers of the armed forces.
10. Chapter Ten: Miscellaneous Provisions
    • Includes provisions related to the title, commencement, and application of the constitution.

Significance of the Constitution

The Tanzanian Constitution is foundation

1. Protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of Tanzanians.
2. Provides a framework for the governance of the country, detailing the powers and responsibilities of the government and its branches.
3. Ensures transparency, accountability, and justice in government.
4. Guides the conduct of citizens and the relationship between the state and its people.
5. Promotes the values of democracy, social

al to the country's political, social, and economic systems. It:

• justice, and human rights.