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How did the Parthenon become a symbol of Athenian democracy?

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The Parthenon temple in Athens, Greece, is illuminated at night, showing its iconic Doric columns and partially ruined structure atop the Acropolis. — Parthenon Night view of the Parthenon, Athens.

The Parthenon is widely regarded as a monument to democracy because it was constructed during the 5th century BCE, the same period in which democratic governance was established and flourished in Athens.1

The temple serves as a symbol of this era for several interconnected reasons:

Culmination of Classical Achievement: As the centerpiece of a major building campaign on the Acropolis, the Parthenon represents the pinnacle of the Doric order. Its harmonic proportions and precise construction reflect the cultural and intellectual confidence of the Athenian state during its democratic peak.12
Tribute to Victory: The structure stands as a tribute to the Athenians' success in the Greco-Persian Wars, a victory that bolstered the city's political and cultural leadership in Greece.13
Civic Identity: The building program, led by Pericles, was intended to assert Athenian preeminence. While the project faced domestic criticism regarding the use of Delian League funds, it remains an enduring architectural expression of the city's collective identity and its role as a dominant power during the democratic age.32