An institution can be thought of as a tradition or an idea, rather than an object, such as a building. Yet many institutions are housed in buildings, which become known as institutions.
For example, Harvard and Yale universities are institutions. But both are better known for their role in educating people than for the buildings in which classes are held.
Similarly, there is a United Nations building in New York City. It is one of the world’s most important institutions. But it isn’t the building that’s important so much as what it represents.
In fact, there are many institutions that can be considered unofficial symbols of the United States. They include Harvard, Yale, libraries and maybe even bluegrass music and rock and roll.
Can you think of some other ideas or traditions that are widely associated with the United States?
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - 
