Final answer:
The government is the social institution responsible for guiding society's decision-making about how to live. Other institutions like family, education, and economy serve different but essential roles within a society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social institution that guides a society's decision-making about how to live is the government. Institutions like the government exert authority and make laws and decisions on behalf of the citizens, influencing how a society functions and its members interact. Comparatively, other institutions like the family, education, and economy also play significant roles within a society but have distinct functions.
Additional Context
- Education as an institution is crucial for teaching society's children basic academic knowledge, learning skills, and cultural norms.
- The family is typically the earliest agent of socialization, influencing individuals from a very young age.
- Political socialization is most strongly influenced by the family, although other agents like religious leaders, teachers, and even U.S. senators play a role.