Tanzania consists of a union between the mainland (former Tanganyika) and Zanzibar and it therefore a unitary system with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania exercising authority over all Union Matters in the United Republic and matters concerning Mainland Tanzania whilst the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has authority in Tanzania Zanzibar over all matters, which are not Union Matters. What falls with 'union' and 'non-union' matters is a little unclear save to say that all matters relating to international relations are 'union' matters and must therefore be addressed to Mainland.
All state authority in the United Republic is exercised by both the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
Each Central Government has three organs that have powers over the conduct of public affairs:
- the Executive;
- the Judiciary; and
- the Legislature.
In addition, Local Government Authorities assist each central government.
The legal systems between the two also differ somewhat - Zanzibar has a distinct and separate legal system. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania makes it clear that the High Court of Zanzibar is not a Union matter, and therefore apart from sharing the Court of Appeal of the United Republic with Mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar has a distinct court system comprising of Kadhis Courts, Magistrates Courts and the High Court.
There are two Attorney Generals for the United Republic of Tanzania – one serving the Mainland and the other serving Zanzibar.
The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCB) is based in Tanzania Mainland and has competence only over matters arising on the Mainland. The Bureau is under the supervision of the President's Office and does not at present extend to Zanzibar.
