This paper analyzes republicanism in terms of fundamental values, historical development and contemporary relevance. I contend that the transformation of civic republicanism in the classical tradition into modem mode results in two conflicting paradigms. One is democratic republicanism that advocates popular sovereignty, while the other is constitutional republicanism that emphasizes the importance of constitutional separation of power and the rule of law. An overview of various discourses in these two paradigms is provided. In conclusion, I suggest that agonistic spirit and deliberative democracy are two relevant orientations for reconstructing contemporary republicanism.