Monogamy is the term which refers to a relationship between only one woman and only one man, or only two men, or only two women. The prefix <em>monos </em>means <em>one/single, </em>whereas the root <em>gamos </em>means <em>marriage. </em>Therefore, the meaning of monogamy is clear - only two people are involved in the relationship. It is the most common type of relationships and marriages, although it is certainly not the only one.
When a relationship consists of more than two people, then it is called <em>polygamy</em>.
He's hoping to convey the similarities and differences of the German government from governments of the past since that is the purpose of making comparisons.
