Final answer:
Politicians replaced the ministers as leaders of public opinion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The group that replaced the ministers as leaders of public opinion was politicians.
In the context of history, politicians, pollsters, policy specialists, activists, and journalists have become opinion leaders who shape, create, and interpret public opinion. These political elites are dedicated to following public affairs and have the knowledge and capabilities to promote policies, according to Walter Lippmann. As a result, politicians have taken over the role of ministers in influencing public opinion.