Gadolim like Rav Chaim Ozer or Rav Meir Shapiro were more than Poseks, they were political leaders meaning they were involved with the government and general welfare of the community. Todays Gedolim really dont do those things.
Rav Meir Shapiro was a member of the Polish Parliment, such a thing is almost unheard of nowadays and Rav Chaim Ozer frequently commumnicated with the Authorities on issues related to the community .