In modern command, politics ultimately represents power and influence. The player's goal is to maintain power and influence over the nation they lead, and to use that power to achieve their goals.

Modern Command models political factions representing different parties or interest groups within a nation, each with their own agendas and ideologies. Conservatives, progressives, nationalists, industrialists, environmentalists are represented, and each faction should have clear goals related to economic, social, and foreign policy.

Public opinion is also part of politcs, tracking how various factions and the general population view the leader's actions. Approval ratings that rise and fall based on decisions, specific policies might be popular with some, and deeply unpopular with others.

Regular election cycles with campaigning and voting mechanics, campaign promises the player is expected to (attempt to) fulfill. and election results impact the leader's ability to continue ruling or change the balance of power.

We have a voluntary opt-in scandal system. Modern Command models the potential for scandals and corruption that damage the leader's reputation. This includes:

• Decisions with ethical trade-offs could lead to scandals if uncovered
• Rivals or factions can try to dig up dirt and trigger scandals
• Scandals erode public approval and make governing more difficult (this is modeled as friction)

Finally, international relations plays a role in political influence. When a leader engages in negotiation and forming alliances, trade agreements, or resolving disputes, there are politcal points to be made or lost. Political alignment has economic consequences (friendly nations offer better trade deals) and of course potential for conflict, war, occupation, and even annexation!