or premier
Head of the executive branch of government in states with a parliamentary system (see parliamentary democracy ).
The prime minister is the leader of the political party or coalition with a governing majority, and is formally appointed by the head of state. The office was developed in Britain by William Pitt the Younger. The British prime ministry has served as a model for the heads of government in many Commonwealth countries, Europe, and Japan. The prime minister has appointive powers and is responsible for the government's legislative program, budget, and other policies. His term of office lasts until the next scheduled election or until he loses legislative support. In France, which has both a {{link=president">president and a prime minister, the president wields greater power but the prime minister controls the domestic legislative agenda. See also chancellor .