Government Of Tanzania

Government: Meaning and Types

Meaning of Government

Government is an organizational system that manages and organizes people within a community. It consists of a group of individuals who have the authority to perform administrative functions such as planning, decision-making, and policy implementation. Governments can be established through elections, force, or hereditary means, and they manage relationships between people and their institutions or organizations.

Types of Government

Governments can be categorized based on how leaders acquire power, which can be through peaceful elections or violent processes. Based on these criteria, there are two main types of government: democratic and non-democratic.

Democratic Government

A democratic government derives its power from popular vote and considers the consent of the people in decision-making, acquiring legitimacy through free and fair elections. Examples include:

• Presidential System: The USA, where the president is both head of state and government, elected by the people.
• Parliamentary System: The UK, where the head of government is the prime minister, an elected member of parliament, while the head of state is a separate, often ceremonial role.

Non-Democratic Government

Non-democratic governments come to power without majority will or legitimacy from the people, often through military coups or dictatorship. They usually feature a single leader or small group with significant influence and control. Examples include:

• Dictatorships: Adolf Hitler’s Germany, Mussolini’s Italy, Mobutu Sese Seko’s Zaire, and Idi Amin’s Uganda.

Dominant Forms of Government

1. Republican Government: Governed by an elected president and other politicians. Examples include Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.
2. Union Government: Formed when two or more nations join together, such as the United Republic of Tanzania.
3. Monarchical Government (Monarchy): Governed by a king or queen who comes into power through inheritance. Types include:

• Absolute Monarchy: The king or queen has unrestricted power, e.g., Swaziland.
• Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch is the head of state while the head of government is the elected prime minister, e.g., the UK, Sweden, and Japan.

1. Federation: Power is shared between a national government and state governments. Examples include the USA, Nigeria, and Russia.
2. Dictatorships: Leadership rests with an individual or group who come to power through force and have unlimited authority.
3. Communist Government: The government owns major means of production and provides social welfare. Examples include North Korea and China.
4. Transitional Government: Temporarily established during political instability until a permanent government is formed.

Importance of Government

Governments are essential for:

• Providing social services such as healthcare, education, and safe water.
• Constructing and maintaining infrastructure.
• Maintaining peace and order through security forces.
• Initiating and maintaining international relationships.
• Collecting revenue through taxes for national development.
• Preparing and implementing policies.
• Protecting individual rights.

The Constitution

Meaning and Structure

A constitution is the system of laws and basic principles by which a country or organization is governed. It provides the framework for government and outlines the powers and limitations of state organs.

Types of Constitution

• Written Constitution: Codified in a single legal document, as seen in Tanzania, Kenya, and the USA.
• Unwritten Constitution: Based on statutes, customs, and conventions, such as in the UK.

Making and Importance of the Constitution

The Tanzanian Constitution of 1977 outlines the structure and principles of the government. It has undergone several amendments to adapt to societal changes, such as the introduction of a multi-party system in 1992 and the establishment of the Human Rights and Good Governance Commission.

Relationship Between the Constitution and the Government

The Constitution guides the government on leadership, establishes state organs, and outlines their powers and limitations. It also ensures that government actions are based on democratic principles and human rights.

Protecting the Constitution

Protection measures include:

• Ensuring all laws conform to the Constitution.
• Courts upholding constitutional rights.
• Government and NGOs educating the public about their rights.
• Mass media raising awareness about constitutional rights.

Exercises

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks:

1. A form of government whereby power is divided and shared between national and state governments is called federation.
2. The group of people and institutions responsible for controlling a country or state is called government.
3. A form of government whereby two or more countries unite to form a single state is called union.
4. A form of government whereby the leadership rests in the hands of an individual or a group of persons who come to power through force is called dictatorship.
5. The system of principles that a country is governed by is called constitution.
6. A system of government whereby a king or queen rules the country is called monarchy.
7. A form of government whereby a country is governed by a president and politicians elected by the people is called republic.

Exercise 2

Write ‘T’ for true statements and ‘F’ for false statements.

1. One importance of a government is to provide social services to the citizens. T
2. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania is divided into seven chapters. F
3. Chapter two of the Tanzania Constitution describes the parliament. T
4. The Independence Constitution of 1961 was made by the British colonialists. T
5. The current Constitution of 1977 was made by the President. F

Local Government

Meaning of Local Government

Local governments are administrative bodies formed at the grassroots level to assist the central government in various administrative and developmental activities. These governments hold power over districts, cities, and municipalities or urban areas. Local government authorities were established in 1982 to perform administrative activities at the local levels, with members elected by the residents.

Reasons for the Establishment of Local Government

1. Empowerment of Local People: Local governments give more power to people in their localities, enabling them to participate in governance, plan area development, and maintain peace and order.
2. Democratic Leadership: They help to widen the system of democratic leadership by allowing people to elect and be elected within their localities, ensuring peace, harmony, and fulfillment of social, economic, and cultural aspirations.

Structure of Local Government

Local government authorities are categorized into rural authorities (district councils) and urban authorities.

District Authorities

1. Village Government

• Village Assembly: Composed of all adults in the village, led by an elected chairperson. Functions include adopting by-laws, electing the village chairperson and council.
• Village Committees: Specialized committees for planning, finance, social services, etc.
• Village Council: Elected by the village assembly, consisting of 25 members, led by the village chairperson. Functions include planning village activities, advising on development, and proposing by-laws.

1. Ward Government

• Ward Development Council: Composed of the ward councilor (elected), village council chairpersons, district council members, and civic groups. Functions include developing ward plans, managing disasters, and reviewing village project proposals.
• Ward Executive Officer: Supervises all developmental activities in the ward, appointed by the district council.
• Ward Departments: Includes departments of social welfare, health, education, agriculture, and finance.

1. District Councils

• Composed of elected members from each ward, Members of Parliament, appointed members, and a village council representative.
• District Executive Director (DED): Appointed by the President, acts as the council’s secretary.
• Committees include development, finance, administration, education, and ethics.
• Functions include supervising development plans, approving by-laws, coordinating village plans, environmental protection, and promoting welfare.

Urban Authorities

1. Town Councils

• Examples include Bukoba, Lindi, and Songea.
• Composed of elected members from wards, Members of Parliament, and appointed members.
• Town Director: Chief executive of the council.

1. Municipal Councils

• Found in towns with over 80,000 residents, such as Dodoma, Morogoro, Kinondoni, Ilala, and Temeke.
• Composed of elected ward members, Members of Parliament, and appointed members.
• Officials include the mayor, deputy mayor, municipal executive director, and council chairpersons.

1. City Councils

• Cities include Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha, Tanga, and Mbeya.
• Composed of councilors from each ward, constituency members, Members of Parliament, and appointed members.
• Officials include the mayor, deputy mayor, and city director (appointed by the President).
• Committees focus on economic affairs, urban planning, finance, and administration.

Functions of Local Government

Local governments have both mandatory and permissive functions.

Mandatory Functions

Assigned by the central government, these include:

• Maintaining law and order.
• Promoting social and economic welfare.
• Collecting and utilizing revenue.
• Making and enforcing by-laws.
• Coordinating development plans and projects.

Permissive Functions

Performed based on the area’s needs and resources, these include:

• Building and maintaining shops, houses, health centers, and schools.
• Operating sewage works.
• Charging fees for services and licenses.

Participation and Importance of Local Government

Participation in local government activities involves paying taxes, attending meetings, and monitoring government activities. Local governments affect people’s lives by maintaining peace, promoting production, ensuring freedom of expression, encouraging democratic participation, and providing essential services.

Sources of Local Government Revenue

Revenue sources include:

• Rent: From council houses, market stalls, and land.
• Licenses: For activities like retail trading, fishing, and driving.
• Duties: Customs, stamp, and excise duties.
• Contributions: Fees under by-laws, court fines, and community fundraisers.
• Grants and Loans: From the central government and various agencies.

Spending Local Government Revenue

Expenditure includes:

• Salaries, wages, and allowances.
• Operational costs (e.g., utilities).
• Maintenance of assets.
• Paying for consolidated fund services and constitutional offices.
• Development projects (e.g., road construction, building schools).

Control of Local Governments

Local governments fall under the Prime Minister’s office, with regional commissioners and the Minister for Local Government Authorities approving annual budgets. Directors in district, town, municipal, and city councils are accountable for their funds.

Central Government

The central government deals with matters concerning the whole nation. According to the Tanzanian constitution, it is made up of the executive, the parliament, and the judiciary, which work cooperatively to ensure checks and balances, eliminate corruption, serve the people, and promote transparency and accountability.

This structured approach ensures that local governments effectively manage their respective areas, promoting development and democratic participation at the grassroots level.

Functions of the Central Government

The functions of the central government can be viewed through the joint work of the three organs of the state: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.

Difference Between Local and Central Government

Local Government:

1. Authority is exercised at the village, ward, district, town, city, and municipal levels.
2. Makes by-laws for smaller units.
3. Offers greater chances for direct citizen participation in decision-making due to the smaller population.
4. Composed of village councils, district councils, town councils, municipal councils, and city councils.
5. Administration is simpler due to the smaller area covered.
6. Serves as a subordinate to the central government, acting on its orders.

Central Government:

1. Authority is exercised over the entire country.
2. Makes laws governing the whole country.
3. Direct participation by every citizen is not feasible due to the large population.
4. Composed of the President, Vice President, Cabinet, and Prime Minister.
5. Administration is complex due to the larger area covered.
6. The central government provides orders and directives to local governments.

Sources of Central Government Revenue

1. Direct Tax: Income tax paid by government and private sector employees, including monthly payments, interest on investments, and profits from businesses.
2. Indirect Tax: Import and export duties (customs duties) and value-added tax (VAT) introduced in Tanzania in 1998.
3. Domestic Loan Borrowing: Sale of government bonds and treasury bills to the public, borrowing from foreign governments and institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and African Development Bank (ADB).
4. Grants: Non-payable funds provided as free assistance to poor countries.
5. Charges for Government Services: Revenue from services like water, electricity, and medical treatments, supported by a cost-sharing policy.
6. Licenses: Fees for permits validating property ownership or competences, such as business and driving licenses.
7. Profit from Estates and Public Corporations: Government-owned or majority-owned enterprises, e.g., TANESCO, NMB, sisal, and tea estates.
8. Other Sources: Revenue from industries, tourism, agriculture, and other sectors generating foreign currency.

Central Government Expenditure

1. Social Services: Promoting education and health services, building schools, and hospitals.
2. Transport Systems: Improving roads and paying construction companies and for materials.
3. Disadvantaged Groups: Supporting orphans, widows, refugees, the disabled, and the aged.
4. Operational Costs: Buying stationery materials, paying for telephone, water, and electricity bills.
5. Debt Repayment: Paying internal and external debts.
6. Salaries and Charges: Paying salaries, leave, transit, and housing for workers.
7. Agricultural Subsidies: Providing subsidies to farmers to improve farming activities.
8. Political Subsidies: Providing subsidies to political parties with parliamentary seats and local councilors.

Participating in Different Central Government Activities

Citizens are encouraged to actively participate in various central government activities to promote development and good governance.

The Reasons for and Importance of Tanganyika and Zanzibar Union

Reasons for the Union:

1. Cultural and Historical Similarities: Similar cultural aspects and economic activities before and after colonialism.
2. Security and Defense: Joint protection from external enemies due to strategic locations.
3. Cooperation and Integration: Strengthening ties and cooperation between the two countries.
4. Preventing Capitalism Expansion: Protecting socialist ideals from capitalist influence.
5. Pan-Africanism: Inspired by the goal of African unity promoted by Pan-Africanism.

Importance of the Union:

1. Free Movement: Facilitating the free movement of people, enhancing brotherhood.
2. Economic Cooperation: Allowing free trade and expanding markets for goods.
3. Resource Distribution: Sharing benefits from natural resources.
4. Unity Example: Demonstrating successful African unity and fulfilling the aspirations of Pan-Africanism.
5. Strong Defense: Creating a robust army and state instruments for maintaining peace and security.

Union Matters in the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania

1. Constitution and government of the United Republic of Tanzania
2. Foreign affairs and international cooperation
3. Defense and security
4. Police force
5. Power to declare a state of emergency
6. Citizenship
7. Immigration
8. External trade and borrowing
9. Public services for the United Republic
10. Income tax, customs, and excise duties
11. Harbors, aircraft, posts, and telegrams
12. Financial matters, legal tender, and currency
13. Industrial licenses
14. Higher education
15. Mineral resources, including petroleum and natural gas
16. National Examination Council
17. Aviation and air transport
18. Research
19. Meteorological matters
20. Statistics
21. Court of Appeal of the United Republic
22. Registration of political parties

Non-Union Matters

These are managed by the specific governments of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, including:

1. Local government matters
2. Road maintenance and travel
3. Agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and other means of livelihood
4. Trade and small-scale industries
5. Prison management

Challenges of the Union

1. Taxation differences between Zanzibar and the mainland.
2. Political debates on having either three governments (Tanganyika, Zanzibar, and the Union) or maintaining a single United Republic of Tanzania government.

Strategies for Improving the Union’s Stability

1. Cultural Cooperation: Enhancing cultural ties through sports and games.
2. Trade Encouragement: Promoting trade between the mainland and Zanzibar.
3. Free Movement: Ensuring free movement of people within the union.
4. Fair Governance: Maintaining fairness through a dedicated ministry in the President’s office.
5. Frequent Discussions: Regular meetings between leaders of both sides to address issues.

Exercise 3

A. Use the words in the box below to answer the questions that follow.

• The system in which local authorities are in charge of the administration of districts and urban centers is called local ————–
• District authorities are made up of the ‘village government, _______ and the district councils.
• Urban authorities are in charge of towns and ___________
• One of the functions of local government is maintaining ________________order.
• Local governments get revenue by charging ___________

Exercise 4

B. Write “T” for the true statements and ‘F for false statements.

• Local authorities ensure peace and order in their areas.
• Students can participate in the functions of local government by planting trees.
• Ward governments are made up of village governments and district councils.
• Building schools is part of the development expenditure of local government authorities.
• The city director is appointed b) the district council.

Exercise 5

C. Match the statements in Column A with those in Column B.