How did the office of the censor function in ancient Rome?

In ancient Rome, the censor was a powerful magistrate whose duties evolved significantly over time. Initially responsible for registering citizens and their property, the role expanded to include overseeing the Senate's rolls and monitoring public morality. Censors assessed property for taxation and contracts, and they could penalize moral offenders by revoking public rights like voting. They also presided over purification ceremonies at the close of each census.1

The office of censor was established in 443 BC and continued until 22 BC, when emperors assumed these powers. Two censors were elected, typically every five years, and their judgments required mutual agreement. Plebeians became eligible for this originally patrician office in 351 BC. While consuls held supreme executive authority, the censorship served as a check on their power and on the conduct of officials and citizens alike.12