Joseph Toole graduated with honors from the Western Military Institute and pursued a legal career, eventually becoming a district attorney. He transitioned into politics, serving in the Montana Territorial House of Representatives and later as president of the Montana Territorial Council. Toole was elected to the U.S. Congress and later became Montana's first governor, followed by a second term as governor nearly two decades later. His career highlights include significant contributions to state constitutional conventions and legislative efforts in taxation and mine safety.

Joseph Toole's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of progressive economic policies with a strong emphasis on regional governance. His legislative focus on mine safety and personal property taxation suggests a calculated approach to economic regulation that balances industry protection with public welfare. Toole's repeated involvement in state constitutional conventions and his dual tenure as Montana's governor reveal a deeply rooted commitment to local governance, where he likely navigated complex political landscapes to achieve his objectives. This pattern indicates a politician who is both ideologically agile and highly localized in his approach.