Quantifying Power Distance in U.S. Presidential Inaugural Speeches: An NLP Approach

Abstract

This study analyzes power distance evolution in American presidential rhetoric through computational analysis of inaugural addresses (1789−2025). Integrating Hofstede’s power distance framework with institutional isomorphism theory, it develops a Power Distance Index to examine 60 inaugural speeches using NLTK corpus and NLP techniques. The findings reveal three patterns: PDI fluctuates significantly during national crises, from the early republic through the Trump’s 2025 address; contemporary rhetoric (2000−2025) displays unprecedented complexity in combining unity language with power indicators; and presidential authority construction has fundamentally evolved to adapt to modern political polarization. The analysis demonstrates that while presidential rhetoric trends toward egalitarian expression, this progression is nonlinear, reflecting complex adaptations to changing socio-political contexts and increasing institutional challenges.