If we didnt have taxes would you donate to your government?

The basic concept of taxation is providing a stable financial base for funding needed community services unlikely to have a sufficient profit incentive for private enterprises, or to enlist consistent donations. Prime examples being fire and police departments, roads and other infrastructure where people give little thought to paying for them until they need them.

The basic concept of donations -- and the tax-deductions underwriting them -- is to encourage people to help non-profits targeted on specific needs largely unmet or underfunded by government.

So the answer to your question is no -- funding the government on donations alone would only encourage even more free-loaders than already exist, particularly in the upper economic levels. If I have problems with my taxes, it is how politicians are electing to spend it; not trying to save a buck because starving the beast does not work. It just cuts preventive maintenance and other programs, which leads to higher expenses and crumbling infrastructure. And I will continue to donate to non-profits that address specific needs that resonate with me.