Final answer:
The Greek word 'polis' refers to the city-state and was central to Greek politics; it included the citizens and their participation in governance. Aristotle's philosophy highlighted the importance of the polis for living a virtuous and good life. The Greek polis influenced modern politics by introducing citizenship, legal systems, and voting practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Words like police and politics are derived from the Greek word 'polis', which was the term used to describe city-states in ancient Greece. The concept of the polis was central to Greek political life and organization. Unlike the more generic term 'city-state', polis not only referred to the physical urban center but also included the body of citizens, encapsulating an entire community and the notion of citizenship itself.
The polis was a unique political unit where active participation in governance was a key feature, and Aristotle's political philosophy considered living in a polis as essential for achieving a good life through the practice of virtue. This political and social system allowed for the development of various forms of government, including democracy, oligarchy, and aristocracy, and was focused on creating citizens adept in virtuous actions, as per Aristotle's belief that such training was imperative for any successful constitution.
The influence of the Greek polis is evident in many contemporary political concepts. It was where the idea of legal citizenship, voting on laws, and a sense of political pride or patriotism first emerged. The polis became the basis for ancient Greek political innovation, which profoundly impacted political thought and practice in the Western world.