I agree that there are too few tools to do "political battle" within the nations - it is far from a mature feature within the game. However, it is equal on both sides - thus the invader is attempting to create a political take over, while the current political power struggles to maintain control.
As for waiting 30 days to go upon noble missions, I don't know - that is what creates interest and intrigue, investment and planning to do - and governments have known to lose power in a matter of hours due to a well planned take over.
With these conflicts arising, it is time to address what features would aid in this - some new laws would be the tool to utilize, that can create protection and guides for the citizenry. Here are just a couple of ideas, for what they are worth:
- council can vote to deny trade bonuses to individuals, all or partial for a period of days.
- ship building bonuses chartered or denied.
- bank operation charters issued to operate a bank. (Big one if you have a bank and plan a takeover - your bank cannot operate until it is chartered by the national council.)
- deny voting rights of a council member (including the king) based on 2 to 1 vote for a period of 7 days.
- tax pardons for individuals that will remove their debt from the rolls.
- disbursements with strings attached - i.e., only disbursed once vote carries and influence is above [said number].
It is also not out of the question for members of council to sell their vote - not an original idea, as history will show.
The academy is going to also add a feature that will affect influence as well -
Bottom line - there is alot of area for growth and expansion in the nation feature yet to come, and I believe laws are the first tools of governing the nations.
Suggest some new laws for devs to make available!