How did American education differ from the USSR's system?

The correct answer highlights that American education was primarily determined by parents, reflecting a more decentralized system compared to the rigorous state control found in the USSR. In the United States, educational decisions often involve local communities and parental input in school boards and policies, allowing for a variety of educational philosophies and structures that can differ widely even between neighboring districts. This model encourages a sense of individual choice and diversity in educational approaches, driven by local needs and values.

In contrast, the educational system in the USSR was heavily controlled by the state, focusing on creating a uniform ideology that aligned with communist principles. Schools were used as tools for state propaganda, fostering loyalty to the state rather than individual choice or parental influence. Thus, the American system’s emphasis on parental determination signifies a fundamental difference in the underlying philosophies of education between these two nations.