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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
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Politics
8 Dec 2025
71
3 pages
Tanvir Ahmed @txnvir_ahmed
Ever wondered why some political parties absolutely smash elections whilst others crash and burn spectacularly? The success of... Show more
Understanding what makes political parties successful is absolutely crucial for anyone studying UK politics. Whether you're analysing past elections or trying to predict future outcomes, these factors will pop up again and again in your exams.
The three main elements that determine whether a party wins big or goes home empty-handed are leadership quality, party unity, and media influence. Each of these can single-handedly boost a party to victory or drag them down to crushing defeat.
Quick Tip When analysing any election, always check how each party performed in these three areas - it'll explain most of the results you see!
Strong leadership is absolutely game-changing in British politics. Voters don't just care about policies - they're massively influenced by whether a leader seems experienced, decisive, intelligent, and honest. Think about how Tony Blair became Labour's secret weapon, whilst Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg actually damaged their parties' chances.
This effect is even more dramatic for smaller parties. Nigel Farage turned himself into a media master, keeping UKIP constantly in the headlines. Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon's sky-high approval ratings helped the SNP dominate Scottish politics.
Party unity is equally crucial - there's an old saying that "disunited parties don't win elections," and history backs this up perfectly. In 1997, Labour's rock-solid unity around New Labour crushed John Major's Conservatives, who were tearing themselves apart over Europe.
The 2015 and 2017 elections prove this point brilliantly. The united Conservatives smashed the chaotic Labour party in 2015, but when Labour got their act together around Corbyn's radical manifesto in 2017, they gained 30 seats overnight.
Exam Gold Always mention specific examples like Blair vs Major (1997) or the Conservative unity advantage in 2015 - examiners love concrete evidence!
Here's where things get really interesting - media influence might be the most powerful factor of all, but it's also changing rapidly. Traditional print media has always favoured the Conservatives, and there's usually a clear link between newspaper support and election victory.
The pattern used to be crystal clear when The Sun backed the Tories in 1992, they won; when it switched to Labour in 1997, Labour won big. TV debates have also proved game-changing - Nick Clegg's stellar 2010 performance launched the Lib Dems into coalition government, whilst Ed Miliband's poor showing helped sink Labour in 2015.
But here's the twist - Jeremy Corbyn's strong 2017 performance happened despite almost every newspaper opposing him. This suggests social media is revolutionising political communication, allowing parties to bypass traditional media entirely.
The debate rages on some argue media creates the "prism through which public perceptions are formed," making it the ultimate deciding factor. Others reckon social media just creates echo chambers that don't actually change minds, and that leadership and unity remain the real foundations of success.
Think About This How do you get your political news? Your answer might explain why traditional media influence is declining among younger voters!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Comprehensive revision notes on the structure, ideologies, and historical development of the UK's major political parties: Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrats. Explore key concepts such as party systems, political ideologies, and the impact of minority parties on the political landscape. Ideal for students studying UK politics.
PoliticsExplore comprehensive insights into UK political parties, including their functions, funding, ideologies, and factions. This detailed summary covers key concepts such as party systems, campaign finance, and the impact of media and leadership on party success. Ideal for A Level Politics students seeking to understand the dynamics of political parties in the UK.
PoliticsExplore the dynamics of pressure groups, think tanks, and lobbyists in UK politics. This summary covers their influence on government, key examples, and the role of public support in shaping policy. Ideal for A-Level Government & Politics students seeking to understand the complexities of pluralist democracy.
PoliticsExplore the significant role of media in shaping political opinions and participation. This summary covers key concepts such as media influence on elections, the evolution of social media, and the implications of opinion polls. Ideal for A-level Politics students seeking to understand the complexities of media's role in modern campaigns.
PoliticsExplore the dynamics of pressure groups and their influence on UK politics. This summary covers various types of pressure groups, including sectional, cause, and insider groups, along with their strategies such as lobbying, direct action, and civil disobedience. Understand the role of NGOs, grassroots movements, and the impact of public opinion on political decisions. Ideal for A-Level students studying UK political structures and civil society.
PoliticsExplore the intricacies of UK electoral systems, including First-Past-The-Post, Proportional Representation, and the Single Transferable Vote. This summary highlights key concepts, advantages, and disadvantages of each system, making it essential for A-Level Government & Politics students. Understand how these systems impact voter choice, representation, and government formation.
PoliticsQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Tanvir Ahmed
@txnvir_ahmed
Ever wondered why some political parties absolutely smash elections whilst others crash and burn spectacularly? The success of political parties isn't just down to luck or good policies - there are three massive factors that can make or break a... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding what makes political parties successful is absolutely crucial for anyone studying UK politics. Whether you're analysing past elections or trying to predict future outcomes, these factors will pop up again and again in your exams.
The three main elements that determine whether a party wins big or goes home empty-handed are leadership quality, party unity, and media influence. Each of these can single-handedly boost a party to victory or drag them down to crushing defeat.
Quick Tip: When analysing any election, always check how each party performed in these three areas - it'll explain most of the results you see!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Strong leadership is absolutely game-changing in British politics. Voters don't just care about policies - they're massively influenced by whether a leader seems experienced, decisive, intelligent, and honest. Think about how Tony Blair became Labour's secret weapon, whilst Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg actually damaged their parties' chances.
This effect is even more dramatic for smaller parties. Nigel Farage turned himself into a media master, keeping UKIP constantly in the headlines. Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon's sky-high approval ratings helped the SNP dominate Scottish politics.
Party unity is equally crucial - there's an old saying that "disunited parties don't win elections," and history backs this up perfectly. In 1997, Labour's rock-solid unity around New Labour crushed John Major's Conservatives, who were tearing themselves apart over Europe.
The 2015 and 2017 elections prove this point brilliantly. The united Conservatives smashed the chaotic Labour party in 2015, but when Labour got their act together around Corbyn's radical manifesto in 2017, they gained 30 seats overnight.
Exam Gold: Always mention specific examples like Blair vs Major (1997) or the Conservative unity advantage in 2015 - examiners love concrete evidence!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Here's where things get really interesting - media influence might be the most powerful factor of all, but it's also changing rapidly. Traditional print media has always favoured the Conservatives, and there's usually a clear link between newspaper support and election victory.
The pattern used to be crystal clear: when The Sun backed the Tories in 1992, they won; when it switched to Labour in 1997, Labour won big. TV debates have also proved game-changing - Nick Clegg's stellar 2010 performance launched the Lib Dems into coalition government, whilst Ed Miliband's poor showing helped sink Labour in 2015.
But here's the twist - Jeremy Corbyn's strong 2017 performance happened despite almost every newspaper opposing him. This suggests social media is revolutionising political communication, allowing parties to bypass traditional media entirely.
The debate rages on: some argue media creates the "prism through which public perceptions are formed," making it the ultimate deciding factor. Others reckon social media just creates echo chambers that don't actually change minds, and that leadership and unity remain the real foundations of success.
Think About This: How do you get your political news? Your answer might explain why traditional media influence is declining among younger voters!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Comprehensive revision notes on the structure, ideologies, and historical development of the UK's major political parties: Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrats. Explore key concepts such as party systems, political ideologies, and the impact of minority parties on the political landscape. Ideal for students studying UK politics.
PoliticsExplore comprehensive insights into UK political parties, including their functions, funding, ideologies, and factions. This detailed summary covers key concepts such as party systems, campaign finance, and the impact of media and leadership on party success. Ideal for A Level Politics students seeking to understand the dynamics of political parties in the UK.
PoliticsExplore the dynamics of pressure groups, think tanks, and lobbyists in UK politics. This summary covers their influence on government, key examples, and the role of public support in shaping policy. Ideal for A-Level Government & Politics students seeking to understand the complexities of pluralist democracy.
PoliticsExplore the significant role of media in shaping political opinions and participation. This summary covers key concepts such as media influence on elections, the evolution of social media, and the implications of opinion polls. Ideal for A-level Politics students seeking to understand the complexities of media's role in modern campaigns.
PoliticsExplore the dynamics of pressure groups and their influence on UK politics. This summary covers various types of pressure groups, including sectional, cause, and insider groups, along with their strategies such as lobbying, direct action, and civil disobedience. Understand the role of NGOs, grassroots movements, and the impact of public opinion on political decisions. Ideal for A-Level students studying UK political structures and civil society.
PoliticsExplore the intricacies of UK electoral systems, including First-Past-The-Post, Proportional Representation, and the Single Transferable Vote. This summary highlights key concepts, advantages, and disadvantages of each system, making it essential for A-Level Government & Politics students. Understand how these systems impact voter choice, representation, and government formation.
PoliticsQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology