Michigan was hit hard during the Great Depression, and so i think the focus tree should revolve around the economic troubles. the communist route would involve a civil war or coup caused by an uncontrolled strike by motor company workers with the help of government officials. becoming The Motor Workers Union. the Fascist route would involve giving more power to the Motor Companies like Ford, General Motors, or Chrysler and have them slowly take over the government. becoming sort-of a Corporate Empire. of course, you would have to choose between the three which one would want to rule. the Democratic/Neutral route would simply adding social services and appeasing Strikers and The motor companies

The Expansionist part of the tree could involve an alliance with other Midwest states to improve their economies and incorporate the other states in to a Great Lakes Union. or Invading the states to free the Workers or to take over smaller companies in other states and controlling the shipping in the Great Lakes.