An NGO is an acronym for "non-governmental organization" and by common usage excludes "for profit" businesses. It is somewhat broader than non-profit corporation in the United States usage. Political parties are one form of NGO. Most NGOs are not political parties. Your list of: > Possible Distinctions I Discarded Non-For-Profit > > Political organizations are tax-exempt. > > And really, would any but the most Objectivist of parties tell you > they are for profit? > > Ability to Run Political Candidates > > The Nation of Islam ran Abdul Alim Muhammad, Shawn Brakeen, and George > X Cure for various state government positions in 1990. > > Capacity to Operate Transnationally > > The Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party is active in multiple Middle Eastern > countries. > > Independent of Government Influence > > And parties aren’t? is snarky, and not serious or accurate. It doesn't deserve point by point engagement.