Malawi Government and Leadership
What the domain tests
The exam tests the structure of Malawi's government, how leaders are chosen, how laws are made and how power is checked.
Core ideas
- Malawi is a republic with a democratic constitution. Sovereignty belongs to the people, who choose leaders through elections.
- The Executive includes the President, Vice-President and Cabinet. The President is head of state and government and is elected for a five-year term.
- The Legislature is Parliament, made up of elected members (MPs). Parliament makes laws, approves the budget and checks the executive.
- The Judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes. Courts are independent; judges should not take orders from politicians.
- Local government includes district, city and town councils, with councillors elected by residents. Traditional Authorities advise on custom and community matters but are not part of Parliament.
- The Constitution is the supreme law. Any law or action that contradicts it can be challenged in court.
Worked example
A question asks who can introduce a bill to raise the school-leaving age. The correct answer is a member of Parliament or the relevant minister in the National Assembly; the bill must pass through debate and presidential assent. The President alone cannot create the law by announcement. Reasoning: law-making belongs to the Legislature, while the Executive implements laws and the Judiciary interprets them.
Traps that cost marks
Do not say the President makes all laws. Do not call a Traditional Authority an MP. Do not say councillors are appointed by the President. Do not confuse the roles of the three arms; separation of powers is a favourite exam point.