Tanzanian political culture and the Cabinet

This article aims to clarify the national political culture of Tanzania through an analysis of the Cabinet. It describes the constitutional position of the Cabinet and shows that the President's powers are so overwhelming that the various normative arrangements are of very limited significance. Next, it analyses ministerial careers and demonstrates that life at the summit of the Tanzanian political system is remarkably secure. Finally, the actual position of the Cabinet is looked at in relation to 1) the President, 2) other policymaking institutions, and 3) the sectoral managers of government. In all three instances the Cabinet is characterized by an unclearly determined hierarchy, overlapping responsibilities, and lines of communication which bypass the members. Policymaking in Tanzania appears to be in the hands of the President, surrounded by small groups of people who are not necessarily Cabinet ministers. Notes, ref