Depends on Emperor, but mainly was the army. The army conquered many lands such as the land now called England. They even got as fair to Asia, before being pushed back. As well when conquering those lands, they gained Servus or slaves. That could then go to be a Tiro, or Auxilia. With all of that brought power and wealth. As well a lasting image of how terrifying the empire was.
That is because the Czar knew that fighting the Austria-Hungary empire and Germany was inevitable and war was brewing. Of course, Russians did not see the end of the war due to the Bolshevik revolution that had them retreat from the war and cease their participation and overthrowing the king.
"<span>d. high levels of both minerals and salinity" would be the best option, since without direct contact with larger bodies of water it's very hard for the minerals and salt to dissipate and "spread out".</span>
The legislative branch would have two houses each state would also have two representatives, and it didn't matter how big or small the states were.
