Patrick O’Neil is a federalist because he considered himself a common person, and many of his friends and fans considered him as the voice of the common person. With his oratory ability, he advocated for the interests of the people, which underlines federalism.
A federalist believes a better form of government should devolve powers from the centralized government to the federal states so that the common people can participate in governance. His background experiences taught him the challenges that common people undergo while the central government of the few privileged individuals is oblivious of their experiences.
Having participated in the revolution and served in the House of Burgesses and as a governor of Virginia, Patrick O’Neil realized that central government is for the privileged members in the society who marginalize and discriminate against the poor. This realization prompted him to fight for the rights of the common people, and he believes that the only way out is via federalism.