What was the actual form of government of the Roman Empire?
In reality, the Roman Empire functioned as a republic rather than being solely governed by the Caesars. It relied on a senate and representatives, and its political structure contained the early seeds of democracy, though in its infancy. This represented a shift from absolute power to a consensus of many.
Les explains that although people normally think of Rome as governed by the Caesars, in reality the Roman Empire was a republic. It depended on its senate and representatives, which he calls the seeds of democracy in its infancy. He traces a political progression from absolute power to a consensus of two, then four, then many. The empire later divided into East and West, with the East centered in Constantinople and the West remaining at Rome. As Daniel's vision showed, the kingdom was divided, partly strong and partly broken, lacking real strength because of the mixed iron and clay. Les notes the Roman Empire passed off the scene between 300 and 400 A.D.