Some political leaders love … who always praise their governments.

Analyze the question: The sentence needs a word for people who always praise their leaders' governments. We are looking for a word that describes constant, usually insincere, praise.

Explain the concept: Each option has a distinct meaning:

• Sycophants: people who flatter powerful people excessively to gain favour. They are "yes-men" who always praise.
• Parasites: people or organisms that live off others without giving anything back. This describes dependence, not praise.
• Allies: partners or supporters who cooperate with someone. This is too general and does not imply constant praise.
• Favourites: people who are preferred or liked best. This does not describe the act of praising.

Show the solution:

1. The clue is "who always praise their governments".
2. The word we need must describe people whose main characteristic is flattering those in power.
3. Only sycophants fits this meaning exactly.
4. Check the sentence: "Some political leaders love sycophants who always praise their governments." It reads naturally and makes sense.

Answer: The correct option is A. sycophants.

Tip: Link "sycophant" with "flatterer" or "yes-man". When a question mentions someone who always praises a powerful person, think sycophant. Also, in Nigerian usage, "praise singers" and "political jesters" often act as sycophants, which can help you remember it.