The United Republic of Tanzania was formed on 26th April, 1964. After the Union, the late Mwl. Julius Kambarage Nyerere became the first President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Sheikh Abeid Karume became the First Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. The late Rashidi Mfaume Kawawa became the second Vice President of Tanzania and leader of Government business in the National Assembly.

In 1992, Tanzania adopted a Multiparty Democracy System which necessitated major Constitutional amendments. These amendments addressed the issue of Vice President and the system of running mate was introduced that paired a presidential and Vice Presidential candidate. This meant that, the President of Zanzibar ceased being an automatic Vice President of the Union but became a member of the Union Cabinet.