socialist/taxing- whats the difference

When I was in 5th grade are class was shown a documentary on communism in Russia. It showed how children were put in day care centers so there parents could work for the common good. There also was a comment made about how every great civilization had died under too many laws. Then they showed the library of congress and the immense rows of laws in this country. It left a impression. Now I wonder? Where are or tax dollars going and how many mothers are still at home and when will we be able to govern ourselves without a law being passed without an attachment to applease the other party so it will pass.