Learning Objectives: Understand the role and structure of major American civic institutions. Examine how trust is built and eroded in a free society. Analyze the consequences of institutional breakdowns and distrust. Explore civic remedies to restore trust and integrity in American governance. Part 1: What Are Civic Institutions? Civic institutions are the formal structures through which society organizes power, ensures order, and delivers public services. These include government branches, courts, law enforcement, schools, hospitals, libraries, post offices, regulatory agencies, and more. They’re the arms and legs of democracy. Each institution is grounded in law, governed by public trust, and accountable to citizens. Without them, chaos would reign. But institutions are not machines—they are built and run by people, making them vulnerable to human strengths and weaknesses alike. Part 2: Why Trust in Institutions Matters Public trust is the invisible glue that binds democratic s...