What kind of government did the head of gold in Daniel 2 represent?

The head of gold in Daniel 2 represents an absolute monarchy—a government of one, an absolute dictator who did not have to consult with anyone. It pictures Babylon under a single sovereign ruler, exercising unchallenged authority, as opposed to the later dual Medo-Persian kingdom.

Les explains that the head of gold was absolute under God, but it was a government of one; the ruler did not have to consult with anybody. He contrasts this with the next kingdom, the Mede and Persian Empire, which had two kings, Darius and Cyrus, who had to agree before any military, economic, or political move, making it harder to govern.

Was the ruler represented by the head of gold in Daniel 2 an absolute ruler who did not have to consult anyone?

Yes. The head of gold represented an absolute ruler whose government was of one. Under God, he held sole authority and did not have to consult with anyone before acting. That absolute dictatorship contrasts with the later Medo-Persian kingdom, where two kings had to agree before making military, economic, or political moves.