Do you have to be a member of a political party to be president?

Answer 1

No. But under the current political party system, these are the senior members of the state or national parties, and normally have the most experience with the government of the country or of a state.

However, name recognition and charisma can also boost a candidate, as it did with Jimmy Carter in 1976, Ronald Reagan in 1980, and Barack Obama in 2008. Carter served 3 years in the Georgia Senate and 5 years as governor. Reagan served 8 years as governor of California. Obama served 7 years in the Illinois Senate and 3 as US Senator.

Answer 2

No, you don't even need to be nominated by a political party to get yourself onto the ballot in each state. To get on the ballot in most states (if not all) you just need to submit a petition signed by a certain minimum number of people. That minimum varies from state to state.

However, there is a very large percentage of voters who will not vote for a third party candidate for president no matter how much they like him/her because they believe that a third party candidate cannot win so such a vote would be a waste. Of course, it is the belief itself that makes it true; that could be the quintessential example of a self-fulfilling prophesy. Also, a modern presidential candidate needs to be very rich or very good at fundraising to pay the advertising costs necessary in a modern campaign.

Answer 3

No, you may run as an independent if you have enough support.