I think the most important distinction between the various scenarios is who was it that put these alternative approaches in place? Was it a consequence of public backlash and potentially against the will of the political class (which is what would be required in the US and Canada), or was it an initiative started by, or at least supported by, the political class?

Another important aspect: if the public isn't sufficiently intelligent, or isn't interested in such things, how did that state come about? Does the government play any role in setting educational curriculum? Does the media play in any role in what the public focuses on, considers important, etc?