The political career is reserved for the nobility. As a Lord or Lady, the gamer enters the House of Lords. This is where the game of politics begins. One has to choose one of three political parties to join, the conservative, the liberal or the mercantile party. From there, the keen politician can strive to become Party Leader by being elected by the party members.
A Party Leader can run for Prime Minister, and a Prime Minister can appoint Ministers, Governors and the Commanders of the Army and Navy. A Prime Minister can only win the elections with enough votes.
Different members of the House of Lords have a different number of votes, depending on their noble title. It stands to reason that a Party Leader has to make deals to gather enough votes to win the elections. One might find loyal allies in friends or in those that are promised positions of power. Votes might also come from those that think your policies and qualities will serve their interests best.
Positions of Government pay good wages and come with their own opportunities. Governors can influence their own ports, Ministers can influence economics, justice, spending, and Generals and Admirals can shape the course of wars and protection of trade. Powerful people will be interested in what they do and attempt to influence how they do it.