“美国式联邦”出现之前,联邦主义的理论与实践如何展开?本文将分三个阶段勾勒前现代联邦主义的主要特性。第一阶段为“希伯来圣约”模式,强调契约平等与独立伙伴关系。第二阶段为“古希腊罗马”模式,次级共同体出于防御或宗教目的实验性地建构各类联盟关系。第三阶段为“中世纪”模式,商业城市转向政治联盟的实践,为政治“共生学”理论的成长提供有机环境。这一联邦主义传统深刻影响着美国的建国理念,也决定着我们今日对于联邦的基本认知。 How did the theory and practice of federalism unfold prior to the advent of “American Federalism?” This article will outline the main features of pre-modern federalism in three phases. The first phase is the “Hebrew covenant” model, emphasizing equality of contract and independent partnership. The second phase is the “ancient Greek and Roman” model, in which sub-communities experimentally construct alliances for defensive or religious purposes. The third stage is the “Middle Ages” model in which commercial cities turn to the practice of political alliances to provide an organic environment for the growth of politics and “symbiosis.” This tradition of federalism has profoundly influenced the founding concept of the United States and also determines our basic understanding of the Commonwealth today.