A magistrate responsible for the census, public contracts, and the moral review of the citizen body.
Overview
Two censors were normally elected at intervals to conduct the census, revise the roll of the Senate, assign citizens to social and electoral classes, and oversee major public contracts.
Why It Matters
The censorship joined administration to moral authority. Through the nota censoria, censors could rebuke conduct considered unworthy and remove senators or equestrians from their rank.
In Roman Practice
Censors did not possess ordinary imperium, but the prestige of the office was immense. It was normally held by former consuls and represented the Republic’s claim to supervise both public resources and civic character.