Google Cloud Hierarchy Root Node | Generated by AI
Question: Which Google Cloud resource hierarchy level is the root node where billing is attached and Organization Policies are typically enforced? A) Folder B) Project C) Organization D) Resource
Answer:
The correct answer is C) Organization.
In Google Cloud Platform (GCP), the resource hierarchy is structured as follows (from top to bottom):
- Organization → the root node (only exists if you have a Google Workspace or Cloud Identity account linked)
- Folders → optional grouping layer under the organization
- Projects → the main level where most resources live
- Resources → individual services (VMs, buckets, databases, etc.)
Key characteristics of the Organization level:
- It is the root node of the hierarchy.
- Billing is attached at the Organization level (via a Billing Account linked to the Organization).
- Organization Policies (Org Policies) are most commonly and effectively enforced at the Organization level, as this applies the constraints to all folders, projects, and resources underneath it (unless overridden lower down).
- Most central governance, security, and compliance controls are applied here.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- A) Folder: Optional grouping layer; can have policies, but it is not the root and billing is not attached here.
- B) Project: Contains actual resources and can have its own billing (in older setups), but in modern organizations, billing is centralized at the Organization level. Projects are not the root.
- D) Resource: Lowest level (individual services); neither billing nor organization policies are attached here.
So the root node where billing is attached and where Organization Policies are typically enforced is the Organization.
References: