The major dividing factor between the two first political parties, the federalist and the democratic republicans, was how "powerful" the central government should be over the states, with the former wanting more power and the latter wanting less.
The passage above highlights the irony that is implicit in a social life. While society pushes its members into conventions and conformity, it's risky behavior that correlates with success. The passage above acknowledges that Tom's misbehavior is linked to his heroism. His socially deviant behavior will either lead him to a death sentence or the presidency.
