In an aristocratic state the king's authority depends for its existence on the power of one or another of the aristocratic factions.
Still a young boy, he was sent by his family to Portugal, in order to escape the struggles between aristocratic factions known as the Irmandiño wars.
During the French Revolution period, aristocratic and democratic factions again contended for control of Geneva.
Imperial control of Italy was lost for a time, and the imperial crown became dependent on the political support of competing aristocratic factions.
As such, he is valuable to the aristocratic faction, machinating to keep them in effective power and the Terran minority effectively disfranchised.
The rebellion also led to the estrangement of the aristocratic factions and families, which has served the Kingdom for centuries.
James' long minority was marked by unstable relations with England and ambitious aristocratic factions.
Michael became one of the leaders of the aristocratic faction.
He was still supported by members of his old aristocratic faction and also by a new ally, the Republic of Genoa.
As a result, and because of his close connection to the aristocratic faction around Michael Palaiologos, he was removed of his offices.