Why Did They Call It That?, Part 1 Quiz

Answer: After this, therefore because of this

The second episode of the first season of "The West Wing" is entitled "Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc". The phrase is used by President Bartlet to say that because something was caused by another, it in turn caused the first thing.

Answer: Big Block of Cheese Day

"Andrew Jackson, in the main foyer of his White House had a big block of cheese. The block of cheese was huge - over two tons. And it was there for any and all who might be hungry. Jackson wanted the White House to belong to the people, so from time to time, he opened his doors to those who wished an audience.

It is in the spirit of Andrew Jackson that I, from time to time, ask senior staff to have face-to-face meetings with those people representing organizations who have a difficult time getting our attention." This is the "Big Block of Cheese Day" speech as given by Leo in this episode, though it is interrupted continually by the rest of the staff.

At this point, Josh walked in and asked, "Is it 'Total Crackpot Day' again?"

Answer: Supreme Court nominees

The President originally wants Judge Harrison to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court, but after some background checks, Harrison is eliminated. Mendoza is the candidate named by the President in the end. "The Short List" can refer to any list of names for a position.

Answer: Constitution

Specifically, in the executive powers section of the Constitution. The entire quote is "He shall, from time to time, give to the Congress information on the state of the union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."

Answer: drugs

Basically, mandatory minimums refers to the absolute minimum amount of time you can be given for drug possession. The issue in this episode is that the mandatory minimums are much higher for crack than those for powder cocaine. The main complaint is, crack is used by minorities more than others, so the mandatory minimums are racist.

Answer: H.M.S. Pinafore

It comes from the song "He is an Englishman" in "H.M.S. Pinafore", also known as "The Lass That Loved a Sailor". In the episode, there is debate as to which Gilbert and Sullivan play the song is from. Several times, someone says, "It's the one about duty." and someone else says, "They're all about duty."

Answer: New York Minute

The song is by Don Henley (member of the group The Eagles). Sam is listening to the song while he sleeps in his office at the beginning of the episode. This episode is another "Big Block of Cheese Day" episode.

Answer: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" was released in 1969 and starred Paul Newman and Robert Redford. It is loosely based on the life of Butch Cassidy, a famous train robber and leader of The Wild Bunch gang. The line in the question comes from the end of the movie when Butch and Sundance are looking over a cliff prepared to jump. Sundance says, "I can't swim." and Butch says, "Why you crazy, the fall will probably kill you."

Answer: Yom Kippur

"On Yom Kippur, you ask forgiveness for sins against God. But on the day before, you ask forgiveness for sins against people."
The day is called Erev Yom Kippur.

Answer: House Concurrent Resolution 172

This was a resolution rebuking the President for not telling the country about his M.S. It was concurrent because the President can veto a joint resolution.