Measurements of the coordinate distance (luminosity distance, or angular size distance) to sources at different redshift can be used to determine the expansion rate H(z) and acceleration rate q(z) of the universe as functions of redshift. This can be done assuming only that the universe is described by the FRW metric and is spatially flat. Thus, these determinations of H(z) and q(z) are independent of the properties of the dark energy and whether GR is the correct theory of gravity. Determinations of H(z) and q(z) obtained with type Ia supernovae and FRIIb radio galaxies will be presented. The results for q(z) indicate that the universe was decelerating in the recent past and is accelerating today. The pressure, energy density, and equation of state of the dark energy as functions of redshift can be obtained from H(z) and q(z) if a theory of gravity is specified. Results obtained assuming GR is the correct theory of gravity will be presented.