Ex Officio powers are described as...

• A. Powers that are explicit functions of statute.
• B. Powers derived from holding an office and exercised by right of that position.
• C. Powers granted by nongovernmental entities.
• D. Powers that require a majority vote to be exercised.

Answer: (B)

Ex officio means the authority comes with the office itself and is exercised by virtue of holding that position. This is why the correct choice is best: it captures the idea that the power is inherent to the office, not something granted separately or by a private body, and it can be exercised by virtue of simply occupying the role.

Powers that are explicit functions of statute are created directly by law and aren’t defined by the mere fact of holding an office. Powers granted by nongovernmental entities aren’t official powers of public office at all. And powers that require a majority vote describe how decisions are made, not the source of the power itself.