Can the United States operate without income taxes?

In what ways would the United States be better off without income taxes? Vice versa.
Has there been a better system developed that can replace the current system or improve it?
How is the system fair or unfair?
Was the incorporation of income taxes justifiable in the sense that the people were satisfied with what Congress proposed and was it a justifiable decision for the whole?
How would You propose a better taxation system?
Should income tax be used to support both a state and federal Army; public schools; individual city taxes; property taxes, etc?