The word polis, stemming from ancient Greek city-states, is defined as a city, a city-state, citizenship, or as a body of citizens. According to Aristotle, the definition of city-state would serve as the most correct, as the word polis was often used to name them. The city as Aristotle knew it differs vastly from the current ideas we hold in regards as to what a city is. In ancient Greece, a city-state was not a part of large collaboration of city-states. Instead, the city-state would function on its own; almost as its own country with its own laws, rulers, and citizens. Membership in a polis essentially translates into citizenship of a city-state. Although, just what exactly dictated citizenship within a city-state in Aristotle's time differed from present day. Today, in order to be considered a citizen of the United States, all one would have to do would to be born unto American citizens; or, if born to those who are not citizens, be born within the boarders of the United States of America. This form of citizenship requires almost no real effort by that of the citizen, other than perhaps the occasional jury duty. As a citizen of America, the only real duties are to pay taxes and appear on the juries every so often; voting is not even required. This take on citizenship differs greatly from Aristotle's view of being a citizen to the city-state, which can be seen as a much more interactive and engaging experience for both the citizen and the state as a whole; an experience which was designed to develop the virtue of the citizens, as well as allow them to live virtuous lives. The citizens depended on one another as well as the city-state itself in order to maximize self sufficiency. It is in this statement ...