What did poleis refer to in ancient greece?

the city-state
the people
the ruler
the family

It had referred to a city-state.  Here is why:
A polis is a city-state in ancient Greece.  Usually it had consisted of a little village sort of place that was in the polis.  The polis had contained a hill that a sort of palace sat on called an acropolis.  It was usually built by the sea.
Well hope that helped a bit!  
Sorry if you don't understand it because you didn't learn it yet.  I hope that you understand it better when the teacher goes over it.  I also have put a diagram so you can see the polis better.