Limitations to modding core game mechanics?

(First of all, i’m sorry if this has been asked before. I looked around at relevant topics before writing this.)

I’m trying to work on a total conversion mod which charges you with running a drug organisation in Baltimore. New simulation, policies, votergroups, etc. but I just can’t get it off the ground because I can’t seem to get the game running with it. It always crashes out on me. I suspect this is because i’ve taken out all of the original votergroups and simulation stuff (e.g. GDP, lifespan, etc.).

So my question is is there a way to get the game to run without having the default votertypes and simulations? I don’t want to add 3 votertypes, i want to replace all of the ones that are there with more relevant ones (e.g. lieutenants, hoppers, lookouts, soldiers). Thanks!