Appius Claudius Caecus was known in Roman history as being just. He demonstrated a great degree of fairness and empathy while exercising justice. During the early republic, the plebeians were largely excluded from public life. This proud patrician magistrate used his influence to advance the interests of the poor and landless. He was one of the first in Roman history to take a special interest in assisting this powerless group. He rearranged the electoral tribes, increased political transparency and attempted other reforms despite strong adversity, and the threat of physical harm from the ruling patricians.