The Constitution of Tanzania
🟢 Lite — Quick Review (1h–1d)
Rapid summary for last-minute revision before your Tanzania Law School exam.
The Constitution of Tanzania — Key Facts
Overview
- Adopted: 1977 (Union Constitution) — April 27, 1977
- Amended: Multiple times; major amendments in 1984, 1992, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2019
- Structure: 15 Chapters, ~107 Articles (varies with amendments)
Key Features
- Bill of Rights: Articles 12–29 — fundamental rights protected
- Executive: President (Head of State & Government), Vice President
- Legislature: National Assembly (unicameral)
- Judiciary: Supreme Court (highest), Court of Appeal, High Court, Resident Magistrates Courts, Kadhi Courts
- Union: United Republic of Tanzania (Tanganyika + Zanzibar)
Important Principles
- Sovereignty: Power belongs to the people
- Supremacy of the Constitution: Constitution is the supreme law
- Separation of Powers: Executive, Legislature, Judiciary independent
- Rule of Law: All persons equal before the law
- ** Decentralisation**: Devolution to regions and local authorities
Fundamental Rights (Select)
| Right | Article |
|---|---|
| Equality before law | Art. 13 |
| Right to life | Art. 14 |
| Freedom from torture | Art. 15 |
| Right to privacy | Art. 16 |
| Freedom of expression | Art. 18 |
| Right to fair trial | Art. 19 |
| Freedom of religion | Art. 20 |
Zanzibar
- Zanzibar has its own Constitution (2002, revised)
- President of Zanzibar (Sheikh) heads the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar
- Union matters vs. Zanzibar matters clearly delineated
High-Yield Points for Exams
- Tanzania constitution is the supreme law — any law inconsistent is void
- The Union comprises Tanganyika and Zanzibar
- The President serves max 2 terms (5-year terms)
- Zanzibar retains limited self-governance under the Union framework
- Amendments require 2/3 majority in National Assembly + approval in Zanzibar House of Representatives for certain amendments
Recent Amendments (2019)
- Extened retirement age for judges
- Increased presidential powers inappointing judicial officers
- Enhanced anti-corruption provisions