Question

Although institutions are often associated with a physical representative (like the supreme court building), the essence of an institution is a set of expectations and – that shape the – in which –.

Answer 1

I believe the answer is: decisions are made.
In order to ensure all government-related process run smoothly, there are some institutions that have the independence to make their own decision (regardless the preference of higher government officials)
This type of independence is especially needed in court where the judge need to be as fair as possible.

Answer 2

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Although institutions are often associated with a physical representative (like the supreme court building), the essence of an institution is a set of expectations and practices that shape the environment in which decisions are made.

It is clear that an institution and what it represents is not limited to the physical building in which it operates, The essence of an institution is the people that work there and make things happen due to their daily effort. The institution is comprised of people that work, make decisions confront, issues, and resolve problems. That is why people are the ones who create a culture and project it in their daily activities and interactions.