Final answer:
Representative democracy is reflected in contemporary institutions and political behavior through the election of representatives, the separation of powers, and the influence of interest groups and lobbyists.
Step-by-step explanation:
Representative democracy can be reflected in contemporary institutions and political behavior in several ways. First, through the election of representatives, citizens have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process by voting for individuals who will make policy decisions on their behalf. This allows for the representation of diverse interests and perspectives within the government. Second, the separation of powers and checks and balances in a representative democracy ensure that power is not concentrated in any one branch of government, preventing the abuse of authority. Finally, the influence of interest groups and lobbyists in shaping policy decisions reflects the pluralistic nature of representative democracy, where diverse groups compete for access to decision-makers.