Long before the imperial manifesto and later the fundamental laws of 1906, Russian Empire was an absolute monarchy. The Russian emperor had supreme powers, and its decisions were final. The emperor was not subjected to any restraint both in the legal process or any set mechanisms that hinder the emperor's power (Dolbilov, 75). Russian autocracy had a strong religious perspective, people viewed the emperor as an embodiment of God on earth hence it was his responsibility to perform Gods will without any limitations from laws, parliament or any government institution.
Following 1905 revolution by the Russians as a result of high taxation on the locals, poor living and working conditions in towns and demand for political reforms the Russian empire was under immense pressure of losing his government. Pressure from the emperor's advisers who felt that the emperor would lose power forced the Russian leader to sign a manifesto in August 1905 which was drawn by Count Witte. Through this Manifesto, the Russian community was granted civil leadership, a cabinet government and creation of Duma legislative center. This manifesto was a valuable tool for constitutional reform as it prepared the way for the granting of fundamental law by the Tsar in 1906. The proposed cabinet chamber watched over the government activities. Hence, it was the first step towards the division of the emperor's powers and demolition of the anarchy state.
The fundamental law was the immediate short term consequence of the Manifesto. Through the fundamental law, a dual chamber parliament was created which represented an elected lower house. Also, there was the formation of a council state which represented the upper house. Both the Lower House and Upper House members were elected, but some colleagues in the upper chamber got emperors nomination. Allowing the creation of these institutions played a significant role in constitutional development as the power split between the proposed houses and the emperor.
Reference
Dolbilov, Mikhail. "The Political Mythology of Autocracy: Scenarios of Power and the Role of the Autocrat." Kritika: Explorations in Russian and Eurasian History 2.4 (2008): 773-795.
