What is the best definition of public office?

The best definition of public office is any office in the government filled at elections by the electors. This definition highlights two important aspects of public office: its association with government entities and the electoral process by which individuals attain these offices. Public offices are integral to democratic governance, as they involve positions where officials are expected to act in the interest of the public and represent the will of the electorate.

In contrast, the other options refer to roles that do not fit this definition. Offices in non-profit organizations, while they may involve public service, are not considered public offices because they are not government positions filled through elections. Similarly, an office filled by appointment is not necessarily a public office in the strict sense, as many appointed positions may exist within private organizations or governmental roles that are not subjected to electoral processes. Lastly, private sector positions, regardless of their accountability to the public, do not fall under the category of public office since they do not involve government roles filled through elections. Therefore, the definition accurate in the context of public administration and public service is the one that specifies the election process and governmental connection.