The 100-seat unicameral Latvian parliament, the ''Saeima'', is elected by direct popular vote every four years. The president is elected by the ''Saeima'' in a separate election, also held every four years. The president appoints a prime minister who, together with his cabinet, forms the executive branch of the government, which has to receive a confidence vote by the ''Saeima''. This system also existed before World War II. The most senior civil servants are the thirteen Secretaries of State.