Can Congress pass a law that confers standing to sue individuals?

The principle of standing is grounded in the Constitution and is typically defined by the legal requirement that a party must have suffered an actual injury that can be redressed by the court. While Congress has significant authority to legislate and regulate, it cannot create standing for individuals where none would otherwise exist under constitutional principles.

The Constitution requires plaintiffs to demonstrate a concrete and particularized injury, which is often intertwined with the concepts of judicial power and the limits of federal courts. If Congress were allowed to simply confer standing, it could undermine the requirements set forth in Article III of the Constitution. This would potentially lead to an overreach where individuals or entities could bring lawsuits without having suffered an actual injury, thus flooding the courts with cases that lack the necessary connection to a real dispute.

In summary, the correct answer reflects the understanding that, although Congress has the power to legislate in many areas, it cannot override the fundamental constitutional requirement of standing that ensures only those who are genuinely affected by a law or action can seek judicial relief.