Censors were elected to take an account of all citizens and their property value before performing a rite of religious purification.
Whilst having no right to uphold law or command in war, the office of censor was the highest honour.
Unlike the office of consul, which deteriorated over the Roman Republic period, most censors were men of exceptional standing and character.
Marcius prevented this situation from repeating itself by originating a law stating that no one could be elected censor twice.
After only one year in office the in 109 BC elected censor Marcus Livius Drusus died.