Read the text, ignoring the missing parts.

The concept of " governance" is not new. It is as old as human civilization. Simply put, " governance" means: the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Governance can be used ____ (1) ____ corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local governance.

Since governance is the process of decision-making and the process by ____ (2) ____, an analysis of governance focuses on the formal and informal actors involved in decision-making and implementing ____ (3) ____ the formal and informal structures that have been set in place to arrive at and implement the decision.

Government is one of ____ (4) ____. Other actors involved in governance vary depending on the level of government that is under discussion. In rural areas, for example, other actors may ____ (5) ____, associations of peasant farmers, cooperatives, research institutes, religious leaders, finance institutions political parties, the military etc. The situation in urban areas is much more complex. All actors ____ (6) ____ are grouped together as part of the " civil society." In some countries in addition to the civil society, organized crime syndicates also influence decision-making, particularly in urban areas and at the national level.

Good governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of ____ (7) ____ are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

Figure 1: Characteristics of good governance