Cato: Patriot or Tyrant

In another case, Cato was the deciding factor in whether or not Cataline and his supporters should get a trial before the sentence of death was handed over to them. marked the beginning of his political career when he became a Quaestor. He continued to serve under Claudius Nero thereafter. While the Oppian Laws seemed relatively harmless with the intention of limiting the amount luxurious items women could buy in times of war, Cato contended that it was ultimately a threat to society. One good example of this is, while serving as Governor of Sardinia, he expelled all usurers (money lenders) from his province declaring them threats to the people. Next he was elected Censor which marked the height of his political career although he continued to play a significant role in politics afterwards until his death. This gave him a basis to work from in his aspirations for political power. However, Cato did not stop here for he sponsored and made many rulings that hurt the pockets of himself and his own class of people in Rome. For example, his influence on whether or not to repeal the Oppian laws was very powerful. So he did not usually go out of his way to represent any certain class or section of society; instead he sponsored and supported decrees which he thought would help stabilize Rome.