What was the function of the polis as it developed in greek civilization

What is the role of institutions in society - do they perform positive functions, or simply work in the interests of the powerful and against the powerless? (a related question here is why do our life chances vary by class, gender and ethnicity)

Speaker 1: now that we are independent, americans should create a government that mirrors the government of great britain. speaker 2: after experiencing a tyranny of great britain, americans know how important it is to limit the government's power. speaker 3: our victory in the revolutionary war prove that americans have wisdom to choose good leaders. speaker 4: as for former colonies, the american states are likely to thrive under a system of strong centralized government. which speaker would most likely support the government established by the articles of confederation? a. speaker 2 b. speaker 3 c. speaker 1 d. speaker 4

Atraffic cop has pulled over a speeder, only to discover that he has stopped a close friend. the police officer is torn, because his professional obligations demand that he punish the speeder, but his personal obligations suggest that he should give a friend a break. what is this called?