How did the southern states want slaves to be counted and determining representation in the house and why?

Southern states wanted slaves to be counted as part of the population for determining representation in the House of Representatives. They argued that since slaves constituted a significant portion of their population, counting them would increase their political power and influence in Congress. This demand was rooted in the desire to maintain and protect the institution of slavery, as greater representation would help secure their interests. Consequently, the Three-Fifths Compromise was reached, allowing slaves to be counted as three-fifths of a person for this purpose.