The constitution of the United States prescribes the qualifications for president, senators, and representatives (Art. I, § 2, ¶ 2, § 3, ¶ 3; Art. II, § 1, ¶ 4) and the qualifications for appointive officers are prescribed by the statutes regulating their appointment. The state constitutions contain similar provisions as to qualifications for the principal elective officers, and qualifications for other officers may be fixed by statute. In the absence of any specific statutory provision on the subject it is presumed that those persons who are qualified voters under the constitution and laws of the state are qualified to hold office. It is apparent, therefore, that a public office or the privilege of holding a public office is not an individual right, but is a privilege conferred by law. However, one who has been duly elected to a public office is usually regarded as having as to the discharge of the duties of that office and the enjoyment of the compensation and emoluments attached thereto by law a property right which the courts will recognize and protect. On the other hand, such right is generally regarded as dependent on the continuance of the office, and unless there is some constitutional restriction in the way, the right may be terminated by abolishing the office and the office-holder has no ground for complaint. Removal from an office which continues can, however, only be effected by impeachment or some other proceeding authorized by law. These matters are so far controlled by the peculiar provisions of the constitution and laws of each state that further general discussion is impracticable.