Scotland Votes No

In a 55% to 45% vote, Scotland has rejected independence in its referendum.

My major question is this: what separates the UK and the US? Why is it that the UK can allow a vote to happen that would allow part of its territory to leave? Can or should the US do the same?

It's interesting to note that in 1775, had a vote been taken in the American colonies, the majority of people probably would have voted to stay part of Britain. It was a vocal minority that won out independence.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-29270441

Where is the Money Coming From?

As you may or may not be aware, Scotland will soon be having an independence referendum. Scots will be asked if they should become their own country, and current polls have each side neck and neck. It's a close race.

Most Scots who favor independence see themselves in a currency union with the UK, although it has been made clear that this is not feasible. Will Scotland have to make a new currency for themselves? Or will they join the EU and use the Euro? Either way, this does raise some interesting questions. How sovereign can a nation be without controlling their own currency? Would the UK have power over Scotland if the Scots continued to use the pound, thus effectively defeating the goal of independence?

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29133217