Calhoun says constitutional patriotism is a common project shared among all citizens, which is molded by a state's public discourse and culture. Consequently, he proposes a revision to the constitutional patriotism theory and suggests that "the notion of constitution as legal framework needs to be complemented by the notion of constitution as the creation of concrete social relationships: of bonds of mutual commitment forged in shared action, of institutions, and of shared modalities of practical action."
Calhoun argues that constitutional patriotism is a common endeavor for all citizens, formed through a state's public dialogue and cultural practices. He proposes that the idea of the Constitution as a legal document should be complemented by the concept of it as a foundation for social bonds, institutions, and shared actions.