In the following question, a blank is given in the sentence: "Corruption is a standing hindrance _____ the nation's development." Select the correct preposition to complete the sentence in standard English.

Introduction / Context:
Preposition questions frequently test common fixed combinations in English, often with abstract nouns such as hindrance, obstacle or barrier. In this sentence, corruption is described as something that blocks or obstructs development. You must choose the preposition that naturally follows hindrance in such constructions, so that the sentence sounds idiomatic and grammatically correct.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: Corruption is a standing hindrance _____ the nation's development.
• Options: of, over, to, upon.
• We focus on the phrase hindrance plus preposition plus noun phrase.
• The intended meaning is that corruption obstructs or prevents the development of the nation.

Concept / Approach:
The standard preposition used with hindrance is to, especially in the pattern a hindrance to something. For example, bureaucracy can be a hindrance to progress. Using of, over or upon after hindrance would sound awkward or change the meaning. Hindrance of would suggest a hindrance that belongs to something, which is not the intended idea; hindrance over and hindrance upon are not normal collocations. Therefore, to is the correct preposition to express the idea of an obstacle in the way of development.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall common collocations: we say a hindrance to progress, a barrier to entry, an obstacle to success. Step 2: Insert to into the sentence: Corruption is a standing hindrance to the nation's development. This sounds natural and clearly expresses that corruption stands in the way of development. Step 3: Test of: Corruption is a standing hindrance of the nation's development. This construction is unusual and does not reflect standard English usage. Step 4: Test over: hindrance over the nation's development does not form a recognised phrase and gives no clear prepositional meaning. Step 5: Test upon: hindrance upon the nation's development also sounds forced and is not used in common speech or writing. Step 6: Because only to fits idiomatic usage, we select to as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can check the usage in other sentences: His laziness is a hindrance to his career; Poverty is a hindrance to education. In all these cases, the preposition to links the hindrance with the thing being obstructed. Applying the same pattern to the given sentence confirms that the nation's development must follow to, not any of the other prepositions. This cross checking with parallel examples is a reliable way to verify your choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Of is often used to show possession or composition, as in the development of the nation, but hindrance of the nation's development is not the standard way to express an obstacle.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to overgeneralise prepositions like of and upon without checking whether they match actual usage in set phrases. Exam questions on prepositions frequently focus on such fixed patterns. The best strategy is to read widely and notice how nouns like hindrance, barrier, solution and effect combine with prepositions. Over time, phrases like hindrance to will feel natural, and you will immediately identify alternatives as incorrect in tests.

Final Answer:
The correct preposition is to, so the sentence reads: Corruption is a standing hindrance to the nation's development.