How Do Families Work? I Don't Understand

[Quickening]

I'm playing as Rome, and of course there are three primary houses and "other houses". I'm playing as the House of Julia. I almost entirely ignore the political screen because I've no idea what effect any of it has on the game.
For example, I see that I can commit a variety of actions against generals from my house and other houses. For what reason would I ever want to do this? And what difference does it make which house the general I recruit to lead my armies comes from? What do I need senators for?

Thanks X

[stackero]

I'm playing as Rome, and of course there are three primary houses and "other houses". I'm playing as the House of Julia. I almost entirely ignore the political screen because I've no idea what effect any of it has on the game.
For example, I see that I can commit a variety of actions against generals from my house and other houses. For what reason would I ever want to do this? And what difference does it make which house the general I recruit to lead my armies comes from? What do I need senators for?

Thanks X

Well, because of 1yr turns your generals won't stay around long, but you do have to watch out how powerful the other families are getting. Civil war could sneak up on you.