How does the word polis relate to politics?

The word "polis" is the Greek word for "city-state," a self-governing entity that was the basic unit of political organization in ancient Greece. It is the root of the word "politics," which refers to the activities, practices, and theories of government.

Here's the connection:

* The polis as a political entity: The polis was more than just a geographic location. It was a community with its own laws, government, and social structures. Citizens of the polis actively participated in political decision-making, debating and voting on issues that affected their lives.

* The polis as a model for political thought: The idea of the polis as a self-governing entity shaped the development of political theory and practice in Western civilization. Thinkers like Plato and Aristotle used the polis as a model to explore concepts like justice, citizenship, and the role of the state.

* From city-state to broader political concepts: While the polis was a specific form of political organization, the concept of the "political" evolved from it. The word "politics" today encompasses a much broader range of concepts, including governance, power, ideology, and the interactions between individuals and groups within a society.

Therefore, "polis" represents the origin of the concept of "politics," reminding us that the idea of political activity and the pursuit of the common good originated within the context of a self-governing community.