"if representation in congress is to be determined by the number of people who live in each state, should slaves be counted? " at the constitutional convention, how would someone from a southern state most likely respond? yes, they live in our state, and they should be counted. yes, they are equal to white people and should be counted. no, slaves were not born in the states and should not be counted. no, slaves are not equal to white people and should not be counted.