Public office implies the delegation of the sovereign power and the possession of it by an individual filling an office. See Damon v. Slaughter, 101 So.2d 342, 344-45, 233 Miss. 117 (1958); see also Golding v. Armstrong, 97 So.2d 379, 382, 231 Miss. 889 (1957) (essential distinction between public employment and public office is that powers and duties of office are prescribed by law while in employment duties are prescribed by contract).