Q3 Module 2
Q3 Module 2
Q3 Module 2
POLITICAL AND
SOCIAL
INSTITUTIONS
Political institutions are organizations which create, enforce, and apply laws.
They often mediate conflict, make (governmental) policies with regards to the economy
and social systems, and otherwise provide representation for the populous.
The quality as well as the stability of democratic governance is integrated in the large
set of social institutions indirectly related to politics. Political institutions in a
narrow sense are complemented by voluntary organizations and social movements.
Moreover, other social fields which are permanently present in the lives of the people,
such as education, health care and others, may be equally important to the quality of
democracy. Even if shaped by democratic processes, they in turn give input to and
shape the functioning of democracy. Hence, the quality of democracy refers both to the
functioning of political institutions and to the extension of democratic ideals to other
social institutions.
What is the difference between political structures and political
institutions? Political institutions are generic, while structures are specific.
Structures pertain to the executive branch of government, while institutions pertain to
the legislative branch.
Democracy works well when its political institutions perform functions
assigned to them. The Constitution of any country lays down basic rules on the
powers and functions of each institution. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are
institutions that take all important policy decisions. A democracy in a more traditional
sense is a political system that allows for each individual to participate.
Institutions are important in a democratic government because they ensure that the
system runs according to the rule of law and not according to whims and fancies of a
ruler. It ensures justice and fairness in the system as the powers and jurisdiction of
every institutions is clearly defined by the constitution. A social institution consists of
a group of people who have come together for a common purpose. These institutions
are a part of the social order of society and they govern behavior and expectations of
individuals.
Social institutions are systems of behavioral and relationship patterns that are
densely interwoven and enduring, and function across an entire society. They order
and structure the behavior of individuals by means of their normative character.
Family is very important in Germany both from social and legal viewpoints. A family
creates a stable and often unbreakable relationship.