I can't imagine how human beings could have a functional society without a system of government. Humans are too greedy, petty, vindictive, stupid, lazy, and ignorant. Without law and order we would quickly degenerate into a society of warlords, slavery, and widespread poverty.

While some people might work together in communes there would be those who would use force and violence to take what they wanted. History has already shown this to be true and women, children, and minorities would suffer the most.

Anarchism would only work in a much more technologically and intellectually advanced civilization in which all basic needs (food, water, healthcare, material needs) are taken care of and their is an abundance of free energy.

Still waiting to be pissed off.

so something like a commune or collective?

Not pissed off...try harder

Democracy >> Monarchy >> Anarchy

There is a reason that Monarchs could hold power for hundreds of years. It's because even though Monarchy sucked, it was much better than anarchy.

It is not that we cannot, because we obviously do, it is that we should not, it is illogical and it is extremely dangerous to do so, but it is convenient and if historical anthropology teaches us nothing else, there are two facts it does teach a) it is that populations en masse will always take the path of least resistance and B) that those who actively seek power are those least well suited to have it.
So why do we do it?
Because it is inevitable, even in an anarchy the scum will rise to the top and call itself the cream. It will offer compliance and call it freedom, ignorance and call it common sense, and hegemony and call it peace.
Because most people want neither the responsibility that comes with leadership or the restraints of conscience to be a just leader. So will gladly hand it over to someone else who they can moan and bitch about, blame when things go badly and praise when they go well. In exchange for this they will allow a certain amount of corruption and leeway with acceptable cultural constraints