I like that idea. Perhaps have factions that form on planets, and between them if your empire authorizes communication or trade, and have the faction maintain certain attributes like Public Opinion Per Population (of all people who actually care about the person, in persons For and Against), active members, industrial and such holdings, et cetera.
You could play a Control Economy empire and set policy stifle civilian developement to reduce diplomatic friction with powerful entities, or support them and open up opportunity for growth of wealth and automation of industry transport, though the factions may get some political opinions or demands of their own...