Final answer:
In a patriarchal system, it was the free males who could participate in the democratic processes, possessing full legal and political rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a patriarchal system, the group that was allowed to participate in the democracy were free males. These individuals were typically free adult men born of legitimate citizens, and they enjoyed full legal and political rights, such as the right to vote, run for office, and bear arms, with the expectation to serve in the military during times of war. Conversely, women, slaves, and children were excluded from formal political participation. Women and underage children of citizens, despite also being considered citizens, did not possess these political rights and were represented by their adult male relatives.