The following information is a general look at the procedures required by the FEC for political groups to operate in the U.S. The website gives basic instructions for starting a national political party/association and state, local committees for the party. The basic instructions get complicated quickly when considering all the possibilities for people who intend to get mixed up in politics. Mixed up – right.
There is something of a ‘chicken and egg’ situation with the requirement that people who want to establish a political party first needing to generate enough interest to get enough people in most of the states to necessitate, and qualify as, a national organization. People need to show that they intend to support Presidential candidates and also House, Senate and state and local candidates. They need to participate in voter registration activities. They need to have a national committee that puts out information to the public. They need to hold meetings of members, local, state-wide and nationally. They also need to have a national headquarters with an address.
To get a Party going money has to be considered. A Party needs a tax ID and a bank account. They need to incorporate a committee, appoint a Treasurer who makes regular reports to the FEC.
A Statement of Organization is necessary, which is available from the Secretary of State for each state. Ballot access in All states is controlled by the states. The Secretary of State for each state is the go to person for information about party operations.