Which term refers to the legal framework and governmental system within institutions?

The term that accurately refers to the legal framework and governmental system within institutions is institutionalism. This concept encompasses the rules, norms, and structures that govern the organization and operation of institutions, particularly in the context of political and social frameworks. Institutionalism emphasizes the importance of institutions—such as parliaments, courts, and agencies—in shaping political behavior and outcomes.

It includes an analysis of how these structures function, how they are created, maintained, and changed over time, and how they influence various aspects of governance and public policy. Through institutionalism, one can understand the stability and change of political systems and the processes that occur within formal organizations.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture the specific focus on the framework and system of governance that institutionalism does. Political culture refers to the shared values and beliefs within a society, constitutionalism focuses on the fundamental principles governing a state, and societal norms relate to the unwritten rules that guide behavior in a society.