What is an Institution?

I a previous post I mentioned that strong institutions are argued to be essential to limiting power, which in turn, preserves individual liberties.

But what exactly is an "institution?"


From Chat GPT:  

An institution is essentially an established organization, system, or structure that has a set purpose or function within a society or a community. It can refer to formal entities like schools, governments, hospitals, or banks, but it can also apply to informal systems, like family structures or cultural practices.

Institutions often have rules, norms, or customs that help organize and guide behavior within a community or society. For example, the legal system is an institution because it establishes laws and ensures justice is maintained.


From Merriam Webster: 

- an established organization or corporation (such as a bank or university) especially of a public character, such asd a financial institutions

- a facility or establishment in which people (such as the sick or needy) live and receive care typically in a confined setting and often without individual consent

- a significant practice, relationship, or organization in a society or culture such as the institution of marriage

- something or someone firmly associated with a place or thing: "she has become an institution in the theater"


From Wikipedia: 

An institution is a humanly devised structure of rules and norms that shape and constrain social behavior. All definitions of institutions generally entail that there is a level of persistence and continuity. Laws, rules, social conventions and norms are all examples of institutions. Institutions vary in their level of formality and informality.