Question

how would I answer this question shortly? "What purpose do (government) institution serve?"

Answer 1

Their purpose is to make people feel good about themselves.

Answer 2

I would leave out "about themselves" if you don't mind. thanks.

Answer 3

I will maybe add some things, but that is the idea I was looking for, tnx again

Answer 4

Why?

Answer 5

because the institution provide people w/ positive rights (usually), be they public or private goods.

they are not about making people feel that they (themselves) are cool and on... but just providing people's needs (whatever they deserve or entitles for).

Answer 6

But ultimately people are talking things from other people, and the government just allows them to do it without feeling guilty.

Answer 7

(I might be wrong, but)
Think of a typical institution... (unless you are going to a psychologist or other doc).
You come there e.g. to get/issue documents... you don't come there to be told "you are great, don't worry about anything" (because that is what "...good about themselves" sounds like).

Answer 8

When you say something like "you have a right" then you're making someone feel good about it.

Answer 9

Well, institutions aren't there to tell the person he is entitled to something, as much as they are there to provide the things one is entitled to.

Answer 10

there is an institution where a person can get an advice regarding the things he is entitled to (in a specific situation), but "institutions" serve a purpose of providing services (whether a person will feel that he is therefore a great person, or not).

Answer 11

tnx again.