Joseph M. Terrell began his career in law after attending common schools and studying at the bar. He held various roles in the Georgia state government, including service in the House of Representatives, the Senate, and as State Attorney General. Terrell's leadership extended to the governorship of Georgia, where he faced significant challenges. He later served briefly in the U.S. Senate, appointed to fill a vacancy. Throughout his career, Terrell demonstrated a commitment to public service and education.

Joseph M. Terrell's political career reveals a commitment to common school education, yet his tenure as Governor of Georgia was overshadowed by the 1906 Atlanta race riot, suggesting a complex approach to racial issues. His legislative record in the Georgia Senate and House indicates a focus on state-level reforms, while his appointment to the U.S. Senate highlights a trajectory of rising influence. Terrell's unique stance emerges in his balancing act between progressive educational ideals and the racially charged political climate of his era.