Cutlip expressed the opinion that public relations is a "vital cog in the nation’s information system" in the prologue to his book "The Unseen Power". He describes the public system as consisting of "government – federal, state, and local, political parties, pressure groups, non-profit organizations, public relations personnel, and the channels of communication, manned by reporters, editors, and gatekeepers". He noted that since citizens depend on this system, practitioners have a social responsibility while they skilfully advocate on behalf of clients.