Final answer:
The center of the American Mafia Family patron-client network is a patron.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of your question falls under the category of Social Studies and is specifically related to the topic of the American Mafia.
At the center of the American Mafia Family patron-client network is a patron. In this network, a patron holds power and influence, while their clients rely on them for support, such as gaining government contracts or political influence. The relationship is mutually beneficial, as clients are expected to support their patron in return.
An example of this patron-client system can be seen in the Roman political system, where wealthy citizens known as patrons provided assistance to their less affluent clients in return for political support.