Final answer:
Free made promises historically required written documentation or tangible evidence to be enforced, as seen in legal transactions and the precarious situations of freed individuals under laws like the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
Step-by-step explanation:
Historically, free made promises were not enforced unless they were supported by written documentation or other tangible proof of the promisor's intentions. This concept was evident in areas such as business transactions, legal agreements, and even the challenging experiences of freed individuals and slaves attempting to prove their free status. For instance, during the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, freed individuals were often at risk due to lack of protection, as 'Certificates of freedom'—signed and notarized statements attesting to one's free status—could be easily destroyed. Furthermore, the presence of written agreements played a pivotal role in the political landscape, affecting legislation and the power dynamics between presidents, legislators, and lobbyists during periods of unclear popular mandates and weak executive leadership.