<P> The Greek term that specifically meant the totality of urban buildings and spaces is ἄστυ (pronounced (ásty)). </P> <P> Plato analyzes the polis in The Republic, whose Greek title, Πολιτεία (Politeia), itself derives from the word polis . The best form of government of the polis for Plato is the one that leads to the common good . The philosopher king is the best ruler because, as a philosopher, he is acquainted with the Form of the Good . In Plato's analogy of the ship of state, the philosopher king steers the polis, as if it were a ship, in the best direction . </P> <P> Books II--IV of The Republic are concerned with Plato addressing the makeup of an ideal polis . In The Republic, Socrates is concerned with the two underlying principles of any society: mutual needs and differences in aptitude . Starting from these two principles, Socrates deals with the economic structure of an ideal polis . According to Plato, there are five main economic classes of any polis: producers, merchants, sailors / shipowners, retail traders, and wage earners . Along with the two principles and five economic classes, there are four virtues . The four virtues of a "just city" include, wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice . With all of these principles, classes, and virtues, it was believed that a "just city" (polis) would exist . </P> <P> The basic and indicating elements of a polis are: </P>

Who had political rights in a greek polis