 After the British invasions of the Río de la Plata he pursued a political career as a revolutionary leader moved by the new national identity that was growing among the 'criollos'.Like many other nineteenth century Argentines prominent in public life, he was a freemason.Paso assisted with the "Cabildo Abierto" of May 22, 1810 and supported the faction that sought the dismissal of viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros, convincing many others with a fervent speech.