Final answer:
Institutions are crucial social structures that fulfill specific roles in society, such as religion providing social cohesion and control, and government organizing societal functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Institutions are social structures that provide various functions within society, each fulfilling specific needs for social system stability and continuity. These social structures encompass a wide range of practices and concepts, such as faith-based architecture for religious practices, national security for societal protection, social reproduction through family and educational systems, and laws and policies to regulate interactions and maintain order.
Religion serves as an institution by providing social support, networking, fostering group cohesion, and promoting social control, thereby reinforcing social norms. On the other hand, government institutions organize activities and resources to accomplish functions like community decision-making and social regulation. Together, these examples show how institutions are integral to sustaining societal values and meeting collective needs.