When the sisters built a school or hospital, they often served all of the following, except what?

The choice indicating government leaders is the correct answer because when religious sisters constructed schools and hospitals, their mission focused primarily on serving the community at large, particularly the underprivileged or marginalized populations. These establishments typically aimed to provide education and healthcare to families and individuals in need rather than catering to the elite or those in positions of power, such as government leaders.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned, such as carpenters, contractors, and architects, were often involved in the construction and development of these facilities. They played essential roles in bringing the sisters' visions to fruition by providing the necessary skills and labor required for building. Therefore, while the sisters worked collaboratively with these tradespeople, their primary mission was to serve the community and not specifically government leaders. This focus on service to the vulnerable segments of society is a key aspect of the legacy of many religious orders involved in education and healthcare during that period.