Final answer:
The development of postsecondary education in America is distinguished by its liberal arts focus and decentralized system(option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The two dominant characteristics that distinguish the development of postsecondary education in contemporary America from that in other parts of the world are a liberal arts focus and a decentralized system. The answer is B. Liberal arts focus, decentralized system.
Unlike many other countries where higher education can be characterized by early specialization and a centralized curriculum, the U.S. emphasizes a broad-based education where students are exposed to a variety of fields through the liberal arts before specializing. The decentralized aspect refers to the distinct characteristic of American higher education, where individual institutions have considerable autonomy over their operations, curricula, and admissions policies, unlike systems that are more tightly regulated by the government.