Temptations always sound reasonable
A businessman offers to split his donation across his employees' names. An aide suggests a book launch where cash envelopes change hands as a matter of custom. A distant relative brings up his son's job search. Say yes and you gain money and Fame, lose Integrity, and a line is written in a ledger you never see.
The flaw types come from the questions that recur at confirmation hearings: military service, taxes, property, address fraud, plagiarism, drunk driving, abuse of staff and junkets. Only the patterns are borrowed. Every event is fictional and points at no real person.
The ledger opens at election time
Flaws show no sign when you pick them. Instead they cost you votes through opposition research, more in bigger races, and count against you in the Nomination Review. Old flaws fade a little each year but never fully disappear. Apologizing and returning the money wipes the ledger, at a price in Approval, Party Trust and cash.
From the first report to the courtroom
Once enough has piled up, an investigative program digs into your political funds. You choose: deny everything, bow and return the money, or rally your base by calling it political persecution. If the denial fails, the Prosecution Probe begins. You can hire a big law firm, fight a media war over a "targeted investigation", or cooperate fully.
If you are indicted, cameras line up outside the court on verdict day. Acquitted, you embrace your supporters and the ledger is clean. A prison sentence means you are taken into custody, and your political life ends there.
Minor flaws end with a public scolding and never reach a probe. The problem is that minor things add up.